Famous Quotes About Art – How We Express Creativity in Words

From inspirational quotes to words of wisdom from some of the world’s greatest artists, this article about famous quotes about art will leave you feeling as motivated as ever to continue your art journey. In this article, we will reveal our selection of some of the most famous artist quotes. From critical thoughts by art theorists to famous notions about what art is by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, among others, you can be certain to find a quote that speaks to you!

Inspiring Art Through Words

For centuries, many of the world’s greatest minds have put pen to paper to capture some of the most inspiring and wise quotes about art and life that have had a profound impact on many people. From pondering over the fundamental essence of art as a practice, lifestyle, and approach to creation to championing through hardship and persevering despite criticism from others, artists have much to say about art. The world of art can sometimes seem removed from the events of the rest of the world, however, it draws on the realities of many individuals’ lives to enable a multi-layered engagement with a visual expression that possesses a unique and potent power.

Self-Portrait with White Collar (1914) by Marc Chagall; Marc Chagall, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By exploring the different quotes about art, you can uncover the many wise and thought-provoking ideas about art that incite creativity, spark passion, and captivate like minds. From the mouths of creators like Leonardo da Vinci and Pablo Picasso to the pens of art critics, color theorists, and writers, contemplating these famous quotes by famous artists helps us understand the world of art through some of the world’s most creative minds. Since antiquity, art professionals have been channeling their thoughts into masterpieces through the lyrical fluency of language to provoke and inspire change. Below, we have compiled a selection of the top 20 artist quotes that will leave you with further food for thought on the various ways that art can be conceived.

20 Inspirational Quotes About Art By Famous Artists and Theorists

In addition to attempting to define the essence of art itself, these famous art icons have also touched on topics related to the role of the artist and the attitudes that are useful when practicing art full-time. As an artist, choosing the path of creativity and innovation in fine art is not for the faint of heart and has for decades, always been met with criticism. It is not to say that criticism is not welcomed, however, there may be moments in your life that make you feel like giving up. What is the point of it all? What does it mean to create? Is your purpose in creation?

With these 20 art quotes in mind, we encourage you to introspect on these words of wisdom and observation that may prove helpful to boosting your spirit or redirecting your energetic course.

Michelangelo (1475 – 1564)

“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free”

Michelangelo was certainly one of the greatest minds of his day, and many artists would give an arm or a leg away to just have a conversation with the master sculptor. Michelangelo Buonarroti went down in the history books as a master of his practice in painting and sculpture, which inspired numerous followers. However, when he did comment on his work, one can observe just how he thought about his work and practice.

David (1504) by Michelangelo; Michelangelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of his most famous quotes “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free” was a remark made by Michelangelo when he was sculpting his masterpiece David. One can admire the vision that Michelangelo approaches in his work, but also the commitment to his process. In this quote, Michelangelo stuck to his vision until it was complete, that is until David was set free. This opposed most conventions around creating a work of art from a block of marble, such that many often emphasize the importance of the material and making something from it rather than acknowledging and envisioning what already exists. Thus, to create, and sculpt, in Michelangelo’s eyes was to inspire freedom.

It is the role of the artist to set free their artworks, hold firm to their vision, and execute the project until they feel it has been done justice.

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593 – 1653)

“My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do”

Another inspirational female painter was Artemisia Gentileschi, whose famous quote “My illustrious Lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do” was incredibly direct in asserting her femininity and gender, which was previously looked down upon, as her greatest strength. Gentileschi was a renowned and successful Italian female painter of the 17th century, who specialized in Baroque style painting and produced works from as early as the age of 15.

Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting (1638–39) by Artemisia Gentileschi; Artemisia Gentileschi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout her career, she created commissioned paintings for many prestigious clients, including King Philip IV of Spain and the Grand Duke of Tuscany. In art history, many female artists have had to prove their talents and professionalism in their art careers with as much vigor as those of their male contemporaries. For Gentileschi, a female artist who lived during a time when artists who were predominantly male were favored much more highly than female painters, her work paved the path forward for those who sided with preconceived notions about women in art.

Her talents in Baroque painting spoke for themselves.

Rembrandt (1606 – 1669)

“Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God”

Every painter can surely appreciate and admire the work of Rembrandt van Rijn, who was one of the greatest portrait painters of the Renaissance. Rembrandt shed light on his view of his cherished medium, painting, in this famous art quote “Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God”.

Self-Portrait with Two Circles (c.1665–1669) by Rembrandt; Rembrandt, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It draws a strong connection to the way that the master painter approached his practice. Here, he draws a comparison to the medium of painting as a divine being, that is related to God and thus almost likened to a religious icon. As the grandchild of nature itself, painting was almost inherent to connecting with God, which also shows us how much Rembrandt respected the art form.

To master it also means to draw closer to divine energy.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)

“Every artist was first an amateur”

Everyone, at some point, is always a novice. In essence, this famous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson implies that not all artists were simply born prodigies. All artists, at some point, were considered amateurs.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1857) by Josiah Johnson Hawes; Josiah Johnson Hawes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ralph Waldo Emerson was better known as simply Waldo and was a famous American essayist, abolitionist, poet, and philosopher of the 19^th century who inspired many through his words. Another famous quote by Emerson was “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail”.

This quote truly encompasses much of his life’s work in advocating for social reform.

Édouard Manet (1832 – 1883)

“It is not enough to know your craft; you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more”

Aspire to learn the depths of your imagination. Édouard Manet, a great French Impressionist, once said “It is not enough to know your craft; you have to have feeling. Science is all very well but for us imagination is worth far more”.

Édouard Manet (before 1870) by Paul Nadar; See file page for creator info, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Manet’s comment urges one to introspect on the values behind art-making and striving for success in periods when technique and science seem very much at the forefront of what makes an artwork unique and particularly “successful”. Manet’s stance urges artists to leverage their feelings instead of solely focusing on their craft.

To perfect and know technique is important, however, one needs to channel their imagination and emotions to fully unlock the potential of one art.

Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890)

“If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘You are not a painter, then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced”

In some cases, your mind might be your own worst enemy and your harshest critic. For Vincent van Gogh, his mind was aware of itself and others but perhaps with stress, depression, and anxiety, Van Gogh succumbed to the pressure. One of his most powerful quotes was “If you hear a voice within you saying, ‘You are not a painter’, then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced”, which truly shows the power of the mind as your worst critic and perhaps a reflection of those who dislike your sense of expression.

Self Portrait (1887) by Vincent van Gogh; Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The mind is both a sponge that can absorb and be squeezed out. Here, Van Gogh reinforces the power of the will by openly admitting that despite the negative comments that your mind makes to discourage you from practicing art, you need to continue to create, and only then will the voice of criticism and judgment come to a halt.

Sometimes, it is best to ignore that little voice in your head that stems from self-doubt and continue to do what you love.

Wassily Kandinsky (1866 – 1944)

“The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul”

Russian theorist and painter Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky was a famous pioneer of abstraction who made significant contributions to the Blaue Reiter group alongside other abstract artists such as Paul Klee and Lyonel Feininger. Kandinsky was best known for his unconventional practice that relied on music and his ability to envision sound as shapes and colors. One of his most famous quotes “The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul” implies that the development of the artist must not be led solely by his consumption of visual newness and theory in art but must also depend on the aspects of life that bring his soul to life.

Kandinsky (1923) by Hugo Erfurth; Hugo Erfurth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

To acknowledge the things that ignite your soul is just as important as striving for visual perfection or committing oneself to scrutinous analysis and observation. Kandinsky was also known to delve into spiritual subjects and themes concerning the functions of colors such as blue that would carry feelings and emotions related to the supernatural and one’s innermost emotions. But how does one train the soul?

In essence, doing things that help you stay true to yourself and your innermost sensations will improve your art in more significant ways than technical explorations alone.

John Marin (1870 – 1953)

“Art is just a series of natural gestures. For God’s sake, don’t try to be artistic. All wild animals walk the same way”

This famous quote by John Marin gets straight to the point behind the attitude one should adopt, especially if self-doubt is your biggest vice. Marin’s words “Art is just a series of natural gestures. For God’s sake, don’t try to be artistic.

John Marin (1921-22) by Alfred Stieglitz; Alfred Stieglitz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

All wild animals walk the same way” implies that one does not need to try to be an artist or be creative, instead, people learn it and become creative like animals in the wild, as an instinctual urge to express themselves as a “series of natural gestures”. John Marin was a prolific American watercolor painter and early Modernist artist who was credited with influencing the art practices of many Abstract Expressionists.

While some may disagree with Marin’s statement, some may find it comforting to know that art is experiential, and by now, understand that it is still an aspect of life that is very much subjective.

Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961)

“All art intuitively apprehends coming changes in the collective unconsciousness”

Carl Jung was perhaps one of the most influential psychiatrists of all time, whose exploration of the unconscious mind inspired many artists of the 20^th century to explore how the mind and its unconscious state affects art and the imagery that results from the imagination.

Carl Jung (1935); ETH Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

One of Jung’s quotes about art states that “All art intuitively apprehends coming changes in the collective unconsciousness”, which suggests that there is a collective consciousness that governs us, from which art is born and essentially manages to capture shifts and changes in that consciousness. Jung’s conception of art’s function in this case is that it may offer, not only a snapshot of the collective consciousness and its state at a given time but also serve as a premonition of the coming state of consciousness.

One is thus able to study one’s art as a product of one’s state, which can further be used to understand the depths of the unconscious.

Paul Klee (1879 – 1940)

“Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see”

Paul Klee is a name synonymous with Modern Expressionism and Abstract art, which in itself inspired many artists to explore color theory more deeply. Klee was a famous Swiss-German painter, who stated that “Art does not reproduce what we see.

Portrait photograph of Germain painter Paul Klee (1927) by Hugo Erfurth; Hugo Erfurth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It makes us see”, implying that the technical practice of creating art from what we see is not the definition of art one should accept, rather art is a tool that can be used to make one see and reveal elements of life that are unseen, ignored, or not at the forefront of what is already known. Art therefore is more than a mirror since it can cut open and expose the parts of us and others that beg to be seen.

To shift one’s perspective in this way is profound since art does not reproduce, rather, it reveals, narrates, and enlightens.

Hans Hoffman (1880 – 1966)

“Art is the glorification of the human spirit, and as such it is the cultural documentation of the time in which it is produced”

What else makes up art? Hans Hoffman, a German-American art educator and painter once said that “Art is the glorification of the human spirit, and as such, it is the cultural documentation of the time in which it is produced”.

This succinct statement by Hoffman encompasses what many artists feel about art today, as a mirror to the state of the time it was created and an embodiment of the glorification of the human spirit. To create art in any period is to establish a cultural document that exposes the state of the artist and the context of the artist.

As the glorification of the human spirit, art is a celebration of such important aspects of life. 

Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973)

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary”

This famous quote was said by Spanish Modernist Pablo Picasso, who compared the art of painting and thus creating to that of someone who keeps a diary. To keep a diary is often not thought of as a serious and clinical means of self-expression, rather, it is a safe place to pour out your innermost thoughts and feelings, which one day may or may not be understood.

Pablo Picasso (1962); Argentina. Revista Vea y Lea, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Another gem that one can draw from Picasso’s outlook on painting is that the art of painting and art-making is an act of creating for one’s self and is perhaps the greatest form of self-love too. While others may not fully understand the purpose or intent of your work, it is an art in itself to appreciate your work as an expression of yourself and your true feelings.

Journaling is also a form of self-healing, which painting also offers room for.

Georges Braque (1882 – 1963)

“Art is polymorphic. A picture appears to each onlooker under a different guise”

One of the greatest Cubist pioneers, Georges Braque provided his outlook on art, stating that “Art is polymorphic. A picture appears to each onlooker under a different guise”. As a famous Analytical Cubist painter, Braque’s works often demonstrate what this statement suggested, that art was polymorphic, meaning that art could manifest itself as having more than one form to be seen and interpreted differently depending on the type of viewer it is met with.

George Braque (nd); Brazilian National Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Braque was a renowned French painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose works reflected the polymorphism of fragmented angles and distorted objects that he viewed from the spaces around him. When simply understood, his statement suggests an openness to form and observation, which is largely shaped by the audience.

In some ways, regardless of your intended vision, your art will always acquire new meanings.

Marc Chagall (1887 – 1985)

“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing”

Marc Chagall was a renowned Russian-French Modernist artist and book illustrator, who coined the famous words “If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing”, which reminds one of the intention and energy behind the artist’s work.

Marc Chagall (1920s) by Pierre Choumoff; Pierre Choumoff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chagall felt that works that he produced from his heart space, or emotionally driven works, were in essence more successful than works that he attempted to conceive of in his head that was perhaps overthought. Intention is everything for artists like Chagall, who led their practice with their soul rather than their heads. This could also draw our attention to the fact that commercially-driven strategies are not the only route to achieving career success in the art world.

If one creates from their heart, their art is bound to speak for itself.

Dorothea Lange (1895 – 1965)

“Art is a by-product of an act of total attention”

Dorothea Lange was one of the world’s most famous documentary photographers, who once stated that “art is a by-product of an act of total attention”. Lange’s practice evolved from her experience in capturing scenes of daily life from the American Great Depression, which saw unemployment and poverty in America at an all-time high in the 20^th century.

Dorothea Lange (1936); Dorothea_Lange_1936.jpg: Dorothea_Lange ???derivative work: Svajcr, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lange’s quote on art as a “by-product” of a moment where she gave her complete attention during photography is profound in many senses. Her statement also highlights the magic of observation and photography that can quickly create an artwork that impacts viewers emotionally.

By granting your full attention to your process and practice, you can either intentionally or unintentionally create a work of art that stands the test of time.

John Cage (1912 – 1992)

“When we separate music from life, we get art”

John Cage was a globally renowned music theorist and composer, whose avant-garde works contributed largely to the performative elements of many Modern Fluxus artists. His approach to sound and music as a performance was best captured in his composition 4′33″, which was created using ambient sound and promoted the beauty of absent sounds.

John Cage (1988) by Rob Bogaerts; Rob Bogaerts / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cage’s definition of art was best captured in his belief that “When we separate music from life, we get art”. The understanding that music and art were key components of life is what Cage stressed alongside the distinction that he made when he claimed that the removal of music from the picture is key to determining what art is.

In essence, almost anything could be art.

Chinua Achebe (1930 – 2013)

“Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him”

The famous Nigerian critic, poet, and Modern giant of African literature Chinua Achebe was most famous for his novel Things Fall Apart (1958), which in itself is a work of art on social critique, African culture, and colonial influence. Achebe also commented on art and stated that “Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him”.

Chinua Achebe in Lagos (1966) by Carlo Bavagnoli; Carlo Bavagnoli, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In effect, Achebe implied that art is a medium of escapism and perhaps a useful tool for creating alternative realities that perhaps oppose the ones that we are faced with today. Achebe’s quote on art could not be any more insightful and begs one to question the nature of art and why humans strive to “create” in the first place.

What is written can also very well be manifested in one’s mind and put to canvas one’s vision.

Faith Ringgold (1930 – Present)

“When someone says you can’t do something, DO MORE OF IT”

In many artists’ careers, they usually tend to receive pushback from critics and people in their circle who often claim that they should not continue with an art career or they should completely stop what they are doing and switch to something else. However, Faith Ringgold inspired many when she said, “When someone says you can’t do something, DO MORE OF IT”, which is the equivalent of saying “Watch me” when someone tells you that you cannot do something.

Faith Ringgold is a famous American painter, whose life experiences are ready to be uncovered in her autobiography We Flew Over the Bridge (1995). Her practice involves narration and storytelling, which she embedded in her quilted artworks to convey the stories that matter.

Ringgold’s quote has inspired many to pursue their art practices despite the challenges that one may face in society when it comes to discrimination against race, gender, or social status.

Susan Sontag (1933 – 2004)

“Never worry about being obsessive…obsessive people make great art”

Famous American political activist and philosopher Susan Lee Sontag was one of the Modern era’s greatest minds for many art students who resonated with her ideas on modern cultures. “Never worry about being obsessive…Obsessive people make great art” is a famous art quote by Sontag that affirms one’s worry that perhaps one may be prone to becoming too invested or obsessive about a theme or aspect in their work that it sometimes seems concerning or pointless.

Portrait photograph of Susan Sontag (1966) by Peter Hujar; English: Photo by Peter Hujar First published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

However, Sontag shared her opinion on the kinds of artists who she thought produced great art. Obsession can perhaps reflect a life-long dedication to your practice and the subjects that fascinate you the most. To immerse yourself in your practice, subject, or medium, means to pursue your passion fervently such that you become a master of that which you strive to perfect. Obsessiveness in art is welcomed by Sontag, who also insinuates that to obsess is to level up your knowledge and understanding of that which you are speaking of.

It is all about perspective.

Jeff Koons (1955 – Present)

“Art is a humanitarian act. Art should be able to affect mankind, to make the world a better place”

Not only do some of the best artist quotes come from masters of the past, but many wise words have been documented by Contemporary artists, whose works have proven influential and groundbreaking in disrupting the status quo. Sculpture artist Jeff Koons stated that “art is a humanitarian act that should be able to affect mankind, to make the world a better place”, thus expanding on the function of art and the role of the artist as a player in humanitarian aid.

Jeff Koons (2000) by Oliver Mark; © Oliver Mark, via Wikimedia Commons

Koons is most famous for his large-scale metallic balloon animal sculptures that sell for up to millions. His statement in the broader scheme of art production, especially if one is as successful as Koons, is to offer one’s influence and creation as a gift to help humanity and use art to champion causes that are urgent.

These famous inspirational quotes on art by famous artists, theorists, and influential professionals have provided some useful and informative gems of wisdom for you to contemplate. We hope that these top 20 quotes about art will inspire and motivate you to rethink and affirm your position as an artist in the current era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Art Quotes?

Quotes about art are referred to as art quotes and include statements, phrases, and claims made by artists and famous professionals in the creative industry concerning art practice, art definitions, the role of art, and the purpose of the artist. These quotes about art can be motivational, positive, philosophical, critical, and informative on the subject of art.

Which Famous Artist Said That Art Is a Lie That Makes Us Realize Truth?

The artist credited with stating that art is a lie that makes us realize the truth was Pablo Picasso, who was one of the most famous modern painters of Cubism. Picasso’s claims about art were that it was not a reflection of truth, rather it is a lie that helps us come to a conclusion or realization about the truth.

What Famous Art Quotes Did Leonardo da Vinci Say?

Among the many interesting statements and quotes that were penned by Leonardo da Vinci, a few famous quotes about art by the artist include his opinion that art is the queen of all sciences that is used to impart knowledge to all generations. He also famously stated that art is never completed, rather it is abandoned.

Jordan Anthony( Content Editor, Art Writer, Photographer )

Jordan Anthony is a Cape Town-based film photographer, curator, and arts writer. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where she explored themes like healing, identity, dreams, and intuitive creation in her Contemporary art practice. Jordan has collaborated with various local art institutions, including the KZNSA Gallery in Durban, the Turbine Art Fair, and the Wits Art Museum. Her photography focuses on abstract color manipulations, portraiture, candid shots, and urban landscapes. She’s intrigued by philosophy, memory, and esotericism, drawing inspiration from Surrealism, Fluxus, and ancient civilizations, as well as childhood influences and found objects. Jordan is working for artfilemagazine since 2022 and writes blog posts about art history and photography.

Learn more about Jordan Anthony and about us.