Henri Matisse

I want to reach that state of condensation of sensations which constitutes a picture.

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

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.

What I dream of is an art of equilibrium, purity, and tranquility, devoid of upsetting or troubling subject matter …

Expression is not a matter of passion mirrored on the human face or revealed by a violent gesture. When I paint a picture, its every detail is expressive.

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

Another word for creativity is courage.

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

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.

Notes d’un peintre (1908)

Henri Matisse

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