Don't be afraid; watch the shape of the shadows....

That's it! Do you see?
Never be afraid of dealing vigorously with your subject.
Every modification of the first vigorous touch is bound to weaken and sometimes to emasculate....

I don't mean for you to parade crudity and bunches of exaggerated muscle as an ultimate expression of vigour.

Only the devotee of the obvious is satisfied with that sort of result; and our exhibitions reek with them.

But there is no reason why the satin skin and smooth contour of a naked child shouldn't express virility and vigour--no reason why the flawless delicacy of Venus herself should not, if necessary, express violence unexaggerated and without either distortion or lack of finish." He glanced across at the dozing cat: "Under that silky black fur there are bones and fibres and muscles.
Don't exaggerate them and call your task finished; merely remember always that they're there framing and padding the velvet skin.