Famous Artists quotes - The Artist Life

I thought it would be fun to find out what some of the famous artists from our past had to say about art. Here are a few I found that I thought were interesting.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

This quote emphasizes that the purpose of art is not simply to depict reality, but to convey an idea or emotion to the viewer. The artist's role is to create a unique perspective or interpretation of the world that engages the viewer and evokes a response.

"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream." - Vincent van Gogh

This quote speaks to the power of imagination and the creative process. Van Gogh believed that the artist's inspiration comes from within and that art should be a reflection of the artist's personal vision and experiences. He also believed in the importance of following one's dreams and passions, which is reflected in this quote.

"Everything you can imagine is real." - Pablo Picasso

This quote suggests that imagination is limitless and that anything we can imagine has the potential to become reality through art. Picasso believed in the transformative power of art and its ability to make the invisible visible.

"Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth." - Henri Matisse

This quote is often interpreted to mean that art is a means of expressing something that is not necessarily true or factual, but that reveals a deeper truth about the human experience. Matisse believed that art had the power to reveal truths that could not be expressed through words or conventional means.

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." - Pablo Picasso

This quote speaks to the idea that artists are sensitive to the world around them and that they draw inspiration from a variety of sources. Picasso believed that artists have a unique ability to channel their emotions and experiences into their work, creating something that is both personal and universal.

"Art is the highest form of hope." - Gerhard Richter

This quote suggests that art has the power to inspire and uplift us, even in the face of difficult or challenging circumstances. Richter believed that art had the ability to convey a sense of optimism and hopefulness that was essential to the human experience.

"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." - Cesar Cruz

This quote suggests that art should challenge us and make us think, even if it is uncomfortable or unsettling. Cruz believed that art had the ability to