The object of painting a picture is not to make a picture—

however unreasonable this may sound.  

The picture, if a picture results, is a by-product 

and may be useful, valuable, interesting as a sign of what has passed.

The object, which is back of every true work of art, 

is the attainment of a state of being, 

a high state of functioning, 

a more than ordinary moment of existence.