The Importance of Being Clumsy

Easy drawing is futile drawing. One of today's most common artistic weaknesses is facility. Pictorial artists often adopt a smooth, predictable style - a visual brand. If the history of art can teach us anything, however, it is that great art begins in clumsiness and awkwardness. I propose to explore the mistakes made by great artists and why they reveal the secret of true genius.

Jonathan Jones has written on art for The Guardian since the 1990s. He is the author of two books on the Renaissance called The Lost Battles and The Loves of the Artists. He has collaborated with Tracey Emin on a book of her work and his new history of British art since the 1600s will be published in 2019. Jonathan has been a judge of the Turner Prize and BP Portrait Award.