One can't paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt.

Summary

This quote suggests that capturing the essence and vibrancy of New York City through art is not solely about representing its physical reality, but rather about evoking the emotions, energy, and unique atmosphere the city elicits in individuals. It implies that art has the power to transcend mere visual accuracy and instead convey the subjective experience and personal perceptions of the artist and the viewers. It encourages artists to delve into the intangible aspects of a city, depicting the way it touches and affects people's senses and emotions.