By Silvia Tarini. Cover image: Illustration by Rosy Ramiréz for I’M Firenze Digest.
Art quotes could be your inspiring coach! Dear creatives, we know it may be hard sometimes to find the right inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. It may be even more challenging when facing deadlines or specific guidelines.
Is there a solution for that? Well, maybe not. But hey, history tells us some of the greatest masterpieces were born out of chaos and confusion. Famous artists of the past have produced their best artworks after unforgettable moments of bewilderment, becoming tormented geniuses as we all know today. (Did you catch the reference here? Of course, we were thinking about Van Gogh).
How do we break free from this deadlock? Take a moment for yourself. We have compiled a list of inspiring art quotes from famous painters and visionaires that may help you find new ways to organise your artistic process.
Remember, the key is to never give up. As Einstein once said, “in the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity”. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to rock inspired by 15 Art quotes!
“At the age of six, I wanted to be a cook. At seven, I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since.” – Salvador Dalì
Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut when you were a child? Or maybe a scientist? The Spanish painter dreamed even bigger. Ambition can push creativity beyond limits, so feel free to express yourself and aim for the top.
“Don’t think about making art; just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol
Is there better advice than Andy Warhol’s thought? We do not think so, as it represents the best way to deal with pressure and fear of other people’s opinions. Art can’t be judged; it can only be admired!
“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” – Francis Bacon
Sometimes, creativity cannot be explained through words. Therefore, even if people fail to understand your creative process, keep going!
“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Appreciate who you are and what you’ve accomplished: remember that willpower only comes from you.
“Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” – Pablo Picasso
Among art quotes, this is one of the most shared. Don’t be afraid to change your mind, and keep trying different creative paths. Failure can be hard sometimes, but it can lead you to something big!
“Art is not a thing, it is a way.” – Elbert Hubbard
There might be many difficulties along the way; what really matters is your positive attitude towards failure. The process of creation may be more important than the creation itself.
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working” – Henri Matisse
Take a moment to find inspiration. If you have not found it yet, start working and see what happens.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” – Banksy
It is not uncommon for some artworks to be perceived as “insignificant”, yet they hold deeper meanings, and each of us has the right to interpret them in our unique way. Could it be that one of the primary goals of an artist is to encourage interpretation?
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Art quotes by Van Gogh are greatly loved. It’s time to think big, but it’s important to start with the details! Start from the bottom, and take it step by step to improve.
“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
Sometimes, sharing your work with other people means taking the risk of being judged. But if you never try, you’ll never know, so think outside the box and dare!
“I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art. I followed the thread of art and somehow discovered a path that would allow me to live.” -Yayoi Kusama
Many artists, such as Yayoi, address human vulnerabilities through their creative process (art, music, decoration, etc). Sometimes, even challenging circumstances can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to produce exceptional works and shine.
“The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration.” – Claude Monet
We all know how nature played a key role in Monet’s artistic career. By observing the landscape, he could capture lights and shadows to make the perfect masterpiece. Inspiration can come in different forms; you just have to be smart and grasp it, no matter where it comes from.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
We believe that failure and mistakes are a fundamental part of the creative process, as you can learn new things and grow. Don’t you think?
“What moves those of genius, what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough.” – Eugene Delacroix
Not only those who create something new can be considered geniuses. If you think you can enhance your artistic path and create new visions of what already exists, feel free to do so!
“I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.”
― Vincent Van Gogh
Imagine yourself looking out the window and creating one of the most renowned paintings in the world – The Starry Night. This is how imagination works: every little thing and emotion in life can awaken something within us. Are you ready to be the next world-shaker?
