henri matisse

“ The importance of an artist is to be measured by the quantity of new signs which he has introduced to the language of art. ”

“ To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage. ”

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

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ I am unable to distinguish between the feeling I have for life and my way of expressing it. ”

“ One must, of course, have one's entire experience behind one and not have lost the freshness of instinct. ”

“ Don't try to be original. Be simple. Be good technically, and if there is something in you, it will come out. ”

“ All art worthy of the name is religious. ”

“ Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul. ”