Henri Matisse Quotes & Sayings

“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.”

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

“Creativity takes courage.”

“Jazz is rhythm and meaning.”

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

“Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”