For a realistic painting, the artist must be truly involved because first it must have a reason for being, not just be a picture postcard. It must have content, statement – the quality of abstractional tone, line, form, spirit – all these, but most of all reason for being. Without purpose it offers and contributes nothing, for is not the reason of painting to record, to express, to relate things felt, sensed. To experience these emotions is what a painting is supposed to do, and I feel realism does this best.
— David Hanna