No Cheating Art

Thank you for Christopher Knight’s illuminating article on the dust-up caused by David Hockney’s new book (“There’s Nothing Wrong With Artists Using Tricks of the Trade,” Dec. 11).

Those involved in the controversy, including art historians, show a remarkable lack of understanding of creating a work of art.

There is no such thing as “cheating.” The concept simply does not apply; it is not a math test. There is no aid which will coax a great painting out of a mediocre artist.

JAYCLE INGERSOLL

Beverly Hills