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Henri Matisse

14 quotes

Henri Matisse's background may be a mystery, but their perspective is crystal clear. Whether reflecting on Art or Nature, Henri Matisse brought uncommon clarity to every subject. Discover 15 of Henri Matisse's most memorable quotes, ranging across Art, Nature, Truth, Success, and Power. Readers often gravitate to this one: "There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”

— Henri Matisse

Art

All Quotes by Henri Matisse

“I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things.”

— Henri Matisse

Art

“A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I've been conscious of expressing myself through light or rather in light.”

— Henri Matisse

Power

“Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us.”

— Henri Matisse

Happiness

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”

— Henri Matisse

Nature

“An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success, etc.”

— Henri Matisse

Success

“Creativity takes courage.”

— Henri Matisse

Courage

“Time extracts various values from a painter's work. When these values are exhausted the pictures are forgotten, and the more a picture has to give, the greater it is.”

— Henri Matisse

Art

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter - a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”

— Henri Matisse

Art

“In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be able to walk firmly on the ground before you start walking on a tightrope.”

— Henri Matisse

Nature

“It is only after years of preparation that the young artist should touch color - not color used descriptively, that is, but as a means of personal expression.”

— Henri Matisse

Design

“Exactitude is not truth.”

— Henri Matisse

Truth

“He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices he is free and nothing holds him back.”

— Henri Matisse

Love

“An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.”

— Henri Matisse

Nature

“Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.”

— Henri Matisse

Art