There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative painter than to paint a rose, because before he can do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever painted.

Quote by Henri Matisse

Topics: Creativity Quotes, Painting Quotes

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...

Instinct must be thwarted just as one prunes the branches of a tree so that...

Instinct must be thwarted just as one prunes the branches of a tree so that...

Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul.

Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul.

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

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

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.

I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some...

I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some...

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 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'm growing old, I delight in the past.

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

Exactitude is not truth.

Exactitude is not truth.

All that I really have to recount are observations and notes made during the course...

All that I really have to recount are observations and notes made during the course...

Those who work in a preconceived style, deliberately turning their backs on nature, miss the...

Those who work in a preconceived style, deliberately turning their backs on nature, miss the...

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 -...

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...

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...

With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.

With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.

I would like to recapture that freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth...

I would like to recapture that freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth...

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...