How did Millais develop his painting technique?
My method involved rigorous observation and study. For my Pre-Raphaelite works, I would meticulously sketch from nature, often painting directly onto the canvas outdoors. I studied texts and historical sources to ensure accuracy in costume, architecture, and symbolism. Color was paramount; we aimed for a luminosity that was lost in the layered glazes favored by the Academy. This dedication to empirical truth and detailed execution was fundamental to achieving the visual clarity and impact we desired.
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