I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some sort of Buddhist. But the essential thing is to put oneself in a frame of mind which is close to that of prayer.

Quote by Henri Matisse

Topics: Henri Matisse Quotes

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

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

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

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

I did my sculpture as a painter. I did not work as a sculptor.

I did my sculpture as a painter. I did not work as a sculptor.

I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a...

I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a...

What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of...

What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of...

It is only after years of preparation that the young artist should touch color -...

It is only after years of preparation that the young artist should touch color -...

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be...

In the beginning you must subject yourself to the influence of nature. You must be...

A picture must possess a real power to generate light [and] for a long time...

A picture must possess a real power to generate light [and] for a long time...

In love, the one who runs away is the winner.

In love, the one who runs away is the winner.

I'm growing old, I delight in the past.

I'm growing old, I delight in the past.

I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me.

I do not literally paint that table, but the emotion it produces upon me.

A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time...

A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time...

Aren't you [Tahiti Lagoons] one of the seven wonders of the Paradise of painters?

Aren't you [Tahiti Lagoons] one of the seven wonders of the Paradise of painters?

There is no interruption between my older paintings and my cutouts. Just that with an...

There is no interruption between my older paintings and my cutouts. Just that with an...

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

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

An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner...

An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner...

Exactitude is not truth.

Exactitude is not truth.

The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it.

The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it.

Be not so bigoted to any custom as to worship it at the expense of...

Be not so bigoted to any custom as to worship it at the expense of...