Henri Matisse Quotes

Time extracts various values from a painter's work. When these values are exhausted the pictures are forgotten, and the more a picture has to give, the greater it is.

Henri Matisse

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.

Henri Matisse

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

Henri Matisse

Impressionism is the newspaper of the soul.

Henri Matisse

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

Henri Matisse

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

Henri Matisse

Creativity takes courage.

Henri Matisse

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.

Henri Matisse

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

Henri Matisse

He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free and nothing holds him back.

Henri Matisse

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.

Henri Matisse