Motivational Quotes from 25 Famous Artists
Motivation is the driving force that propels a creative person forward, igniting their passion and fueling their artistic endeavors.
For centuries, great artists have not only left behind breathtaking works of art but also imparted profound wisdom through their inspirational art quotes.
These famous artist quotes not only inspire artists to push boundaries and seek new ideas but also provide valuable tools for overcoming creative block and finding fulfillment in their creative work. Moreover, they offer guidance for navigating everyday life, fostering a sense of purpose, and nurturing our well-being.
In this collection of art quotes, I delve into the minds of renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and many others, exploring their insights on creativity, the beauty of art, and the aim of artistic expression.
You may find it helpful to write down some of your favourite quotes and put them on the walls of your studio or office as little reminders, or bookmark this article to refer back to when you need some inspiration.
Table of Contents
How Motivational Quotes Can Help an Artist
2. Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
4. Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
6. Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)
7. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)
8. Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989)
11. Jackson Pollock (1912 - 1956)
13. Gustav Klimt (1862 - 1918)
14. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1959)
15. Claude Monet (1840 - 1926)
18. Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)
19. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
20. Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
21. Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986)
How Motivational Quotes Can Help an Artist
Quotes from famous artists can be incredibly helpful:
Inspiration and Creative Spark: Motivational quotes can ignite inspiration and provide a creative spark, encouraging individuals to explore new ideas, experiment, and push the boundaries of their creative work.
Overcoming Creative Block: Artists often experience creative block; a state of feeling stuck or uninspired. Motivational quotes can offer fresh perspectives, renewed motivation, and practical advice to help overcome creative block and continue the creative process.
Perspective and Mindset: Motivational quotes can shape a positive mindset by reminding individuals of the transformative power of art, the importance of self-expression, and the value of embracing failure as a stepping stone towards growth and success. They can encourage resilience, determination, and a sense of purpose.
Everyday Life and Well-being: Motivational quotes transcend the artistic realm and can be applied to everyday life. They offer insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of passions, inspiring individuals to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life beyond their creative endeavors.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: Motivational quotes can positively impact mental health and emotional well-being. They can uplift spirits, provide motivation during challenging times, and serve as reminders to prioritise self-care, balance, and self-compassion.
Self-reflection and Personal Growth: Quotes from famous artists often delve into deeper aspects of life, inviting individuals to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and aspirations. They can provoke introspection, encourage personal growth, and prompt individuals to align their creative pursuits with their authentic selves.
Motivational quotes from famous artists serve as beacons of inspiration, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical insights. They can fuel creativity, help overcome obstacles, promote well-being, and inspire personal and artistic growth, making them valuable resources for individuals seeking motivation and guidance on their creative journeys.
1. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer, widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. With a diverse range of artistic styles and constant experimentation, Picasso challenged traditional artistic norms, leaving an indelible mark on modern art. His works continue to captivate audiences with their innovation, emotional depth, and timeless appeal.
Here are some famous motivational quotes attributed to Pablo Picasso:
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."
"Action is the foundational key to all success."
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."
"Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist."
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."
"Art is the lie that enables us to realise the truth."
These quotes showcase Picasso's perspectives on art, creativity, and the process of artistic expression. They encourage us to embrace our artistic instincts, seek inspiration in our everyday lives, and challenge traditional norms to explore new possibilities.
2. Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter whose artistic genius emerged amidst personal struggles. His emotionally charged artworks, characterized by bold brushwork and vibrant colors, have become iconic. Despite enduring mental health challenges, van Gogh created a profound body of work that continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
Vincent van Gogh left behind a legacy of inspiring words. Here are some famous motivational quotes attributed to van Gogh:
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
"I dream my painting, and then I paint my dream."
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere."
"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."
"Normality is a paved road: it's comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow."
"If you want to know an artist, look at their art."
"I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."
"The only time I feel alive is when I'm painting."
These quotes reflect van Gogh's passionate and relentless pursuit of artistic expression, as well as his deep appreciation for the beauty and inspiration found in the world around him.
For more articles about Vincent van Gogh, please read here.
3. Andy Warhol (1928-1987)
Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was an American artist, filmmaker, and leading figure in the Pop Art movement. Known for his iconic works exploring celebrity culture, consumerism, and mass media, Warhol revolutionised the art world with his bold and repetitive imagery. His legacy as a pioneer of contemporary art continues to influence and inspire generations.
Here are some of his most famous quotes:
"In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes."
"Art is what you can get away with."
"I never read, I just look at pictures."
"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."
"The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will."
"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."
"Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art."
These quotes reflect Warhol's unique perspective on art, fame, and popular culture, showcasing his wit, irreverence, and fascination with the world of consumerism and media.
For more information about Pop Art, please read here.
4. Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519), the Italian polymath of the Renaissance, is renowned for his extraordinary creativity and mastery across various disciplines. Here are some motivational quotes attributed to Leonardo da Vinci:
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
"Learning never exhausts the mind."
"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding."
"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."
"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death."
"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do."
"While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die."
"Just as iron rusts from disuse, so does inaction spoil the intellect."
These quotes reflect Leonardo da Vinci's emphasis on lifelong learning, taking action, and embracing curiosity, as well as his profound insights into the human condition and the pursuit of excellence.
5. Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954)
Frida Kahlo, the influential Mexican artist known for her powerful self-portraits and exploration of identity, expressed her thoughts and emotions through her art. Here are some motivational quotes attributed to Frida Kahlo:
"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"
"I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best."
"I am my own muse. I am the subject I know best. The subject I want to know better."
"At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can."
"I paint flowers so they will not die."
"I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art."
"I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim."
"Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away."
These quotes reveal Frida Kahlo's resilience, introspection, and passion for self-expression. They inspire us to embrace our own uniqueness, confront challenges, and find strength in our personal journeys.
For information about Frida Kahlo exhibitions, please read here.
6. Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954)
Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954), the renowned French artist known for his innovative use of colour and form, left behind inspiring words that reflect his artistic philosophy and approach to life. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to Henri Matisse:
"Creativity takes courage."
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."
"I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have the light joyousness of springtime."
"An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language."
"Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us."
"I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things."
These quotes reflect Matisse's emphasis on creativity, dedication, and the pursuit of beauty. They inspire us to embrace artistic expression, find joy in our work, and appreciate the world around us with fresh eyes.
7. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)
George Bernard Shaw, the renowned Irish playwright and critic, was known for his wit, social commentary, and sharp intellect. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to George Bernard Shaw:
"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
"Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time."
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
"The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man."
"Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."
"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire; you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will."
"You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'"
These quotes reflect George Bernard Shaw's thought-provoking insights on life, progress, creativity, and the importance of taking initiative. They encourage us to think differently, embrace change, and actively pursue our goals and dreams.
8. Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989)
Salvador Dalí, the surrealist master known for his eccentric and dreamlike artworks, often shared profound and thought-provoking insights. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to Salvador Dalí:
"Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it."
"Give me two hours a day of activity, and I'll take the other twenty-two in dreams."
"Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision."
"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others."
"It is not necessary for the public to know whether I am joking or whether I am serious, just as it is not necessary for me to know it myself."
These quotes reflect Dalí's unconventional and imaginative approach to art and life. They encourage us to embrace our uniqueness, challenge societal norms, and explore the depths of our creativity without fear or limitation.
9. Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014)
Maya Angelou, the renowned American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, was known for her powerful words that touched hearts and inspired generations. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to Maya Angelou:
"You can not use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."
"You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody."
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
These quotes reflect Maya Angelou's wisdom, resilience, and belief in the power of personal growth, self-acceptance, and empathy. They encourage us to embrace our journey, overcome adversity, and strive for a meaningful and compassionate life.
10. Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. and a visionary designer and entrepreneur who left behind a legacy of innovation and inspiring insights. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to Steve Jobs:
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
"Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life."
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."
"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice."
These quotes reflect Steve Jobs' emphasis on following one's passion, embracing innovation, and challenging the status quo. They inspire us to pursue our dreams, believe in our abilities, and strive for excellence.
11. Jackson Pollock (1912 - 1956)
Jackson Pollock, the influential American abstract expressionist artist known for his unique drip painting technique, had a profound impact on the art world. While Pollock himself was not known for sharing many quotes, here are a few inspirational quotes associated with his artistic style and philosophy:
"Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is."
"The painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through."
"I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them."
"It doesn't make much difference how the paint is put on as long as something has been said. Technique is just a means of arriving at a statement."
"I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own."
These quotes reflect Jackson Pollock's emphasis on the idea that the painting itself carries its own significance beyond the artist's intentions.
12. Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)
Oscar Wilde, the celebrated Irish writer and playwright, left behind a treasure trove of memorable quotes. Known for his sharp wit and satirical observations, here are some famous quotes attributed to Oscar Wilde:
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
"I can resist everything except temptation."
"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."
"I am not young enough to know everything."
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."
"The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."
"A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing."
"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much."
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
These quotes reflect Oscar Wilde's cleverness, irony, and insightful perspective on various aspects of life, society, and human nature. They continue to entertain and provoke thought, showcasing Wilde's enduring legacy as a master of words and wit.
13. Gustav Klimt (1862 - 1918)
Gustav Klimt, the renowned Austrian symbolist painter, left a lasting impact with his decorative and sensual artworks. While Klimt is not as well-known for his quotes as he is for his art, here are a few famous quotes associated with him:
"All art is erotic."
"Art is a line around your thoughts."
"Art is the highest form of hope."
These quotes provide glimpses into Gustav Klimt's views on art, the expressive power of his works, and the significance of visual representation as a means of understanding an artist's identity and intentions.
For more information about Gustav Klimt exhibitions, please read here.
14. Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 - 1959)
Frank Lloyd Wright, the influential American architect and designer, was known for his innovative and visionary approach to architecture. Here are some famous quotes attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright:
"Every great architect is — necessarily — a great poet. He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age."
"The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our civilisation."
"Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union."
"The space within becomes the reality of the building."
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
"The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built."
"Less is only more where more is no good."
These quotes reflect Frank Lloyd Wright's emphasis on the integration of architecture with nature, the importance of harmony and functionality in design, and his belief in the transformative power of architecture to shape and enhance our environment.
15. Claude Monet (1840 - 1926)
Claude Monet, the renowned French Impressionist painter, created a vast body of work that captured the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Here are a few famous quotes associated with him:
"Colour is my daylong obsession, joy, and torment."
"The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration."
"For me, a landscape does not exist in its own right, since its appearance changes at every moment”
"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly."
"The more I live, the more I regret how little I know."
"My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature."
These quotes reflect Claude Monet's deep connection with nature, his passion for capturing the changing effects of light and color, and his belief in the emotional and sensory power of art.
16. Marc Chagall (1887-1985)
Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was a Russian-French artist renowned for his imaginative and vibrant paintings. His unique style blended elements of Cubism, Symbolism, and Fauvism, characterised by dreamlike compositions and surreal imagery. Here are some motivational quotes from the renowned artist Marc Chagall:
"Great art picks up where nature ends."
"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing."
"Art is the most beautiful deception of all.”
"In our life, there is a single melody, as if it were a signature note, that reveals the degree of our richness and poverty, our happiness and sadness. It is the melody of love."
"All colours are the friends of their neighbours and the lovers of their opposites."
These quotes reflect Chagall's deep connection with art, love, and the creative process, and they can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for artists and individuals alike.
17. Edward Hopper (1882-1967)
Edward Hopper (1882-1967) was a celebrated American painter known for his evocative depictions of urban and rural scenes. His iconic works captured a sense of solitude and introspection, exploring themes of isolation, alienation, and the human experience in modern society.
Here are some motivational quotes from the renowned American painter Edward Hopper:
"If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint."
"No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination."
"Great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist."
"I think that if you do something often enough, you tend to get good at it."
"Every really good picture that you make is a stepping stone to a better one."
"It's not the medium that counts but the power of expression."
"I hope it is not too optimistic of me to believe that art can be a basic instinct of people, like food and shelter."
"The only real influence I've ever had was myself."
These quotes reflect Hopper's dedication to his craft, the power of artistic expression, and the importance of imagination in creating meaningful art. They can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for artists and individuals seeking to pursue their creative endeavors.
18. Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)
Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a Russian painter and art theorist credited as one of the pioneers of abstract art. His groundbreaking work explored the spiritual and emotional power of colour and form. Here are some motivational quotes from Kandinsky:
"Colour is a power which directly influences the soul."
"To create a work of art is to create the world."
"The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul."
"Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings."
"Everything starts from a dot."
"The power of profound meaning is found in its abstract form."
These quotes reflect Kandinsky's belief in the transformative and spiritual nature of art, emphasizing the importance of color, form, and the artist's inner journey. They can serve as inspiration for artists and individuals seeking to tap into their creativity and express themselves through art.
For more information about Wassily Kandinsky, please read here.
19. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an influential American essayist, poet, and philosopher. His writings emphasised individualism, self-reliance, and the connection between nature and spirituality. Here are some motivational quotes from Emerson:
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say."
These quotes reflect Emerson's belief in self-reliance, personal growth, and the power of authenticity. They inspire individuals to embrace their unique qualities, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on the world around them.
20. Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born physicist and one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His groundbreaking theories, including the theory of relativity, revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Here are some motivational quotes from Einstein:
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning."
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."
"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."
"Creativity is contagious, pass it on."
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."
"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."
These quotes reflect Einstein's curiosity, innovative thinking, and his belief in the power of imagination and perseverance. They serve as inspiration to embrace challenges, think outside the box, and pursue our passions with dedication and enthusiasm.
21. Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986)
Georgia O'Keeffe, an American artist, is renowned for her iconic and innovative paintings of enlarged flowers, New Mexico landscapes, and abstract forms. Her work defied traditional conventions, showcasing a unique vision and profound connection with nature. Here are three Georgia O'Keeffe motivational quotes:
"I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn't say any other way—things I had no words for."
"I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do."
"To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage."
These quotes from Georgia O'Keeffe can inspire us to embrace our creativity, overcome our fears, and have the courage to pursue our passions.
22. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Henry David Thoreau an American philosopher, writer, and naturalist, is best known for his book "Walden" and his influential essay "Civil Disobedience." Thoreau championed simplicity, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Here are three motivational quotes from Henry David Thoreau:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."
"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."
These quotes by Henry David Thoreau inspire us to live purposefully, embrace our dreams, and recognize the transformative power of our endeavors.
23. Henry Moore (1898-1986)
Henry Moore (1898-1986) was a British sculptor known for his abstract and monumental works. He redefined sculpture by exploring organic forms and the relationship between space and mass. His art merged nature and abstraction, leaving a lasting impact on modern sculpture.
Here are three Henry Moore motivational quotes:
"To be an artist is to believe in life."
"Art is the expression of imagination, not the duplication of reality."
"The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is, it must be something you cannot possibly do."
24. Francis Bacon (1909-1992)
Francis Bacon (1909-1992) was an Irish-born British painter known for his visceral and haunting figurative art. His works, often distorted and emotionally charged, explored themes of existentialism, violence, and the human condition, leaving a profound impact on contemporary art. Here are three of his quotes:
"The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery."
"I have always believed that art should be a disturbance, that it should provoke thought and challenge our perceptions."
"The creative process is a cocktail of instinct, skill, culture, and a highly creative feverishness. It is not like a drug; it is a particular state when everything happens very quickly."
While these quotes may not be explicitly inspirational, they offer insights into Francis Bacon's artistic mindset and can inspire individuals to approach their own artistic endeavors with passion, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
25. Edvard Munch (1863-1944)
Edvard Munch (1863-1944) was a Norwegian painter and printmaker, best known for his iconic artwork "The Scream." He was a pioneer of Expressionism, exploring themes of anxiety, mortality, and emotional turmoil through his haunting and introspective imagery. Here are three of his motivational quotes:
"From my rotting body, flowers shall grow, and I am in them, and that is eternity."
"Art comes from joy and pain, but mostly from pain."
"Without anxiety and illness, I am a ship without a rudder. My sufferings are part of myself and my art."
These quotes provide further insight into Edvard Munch's artistic philosophy and his unique relationship with his art. They encourage artists to embrace the range of human emotions, acknowledge the power of colour, and find meaning and expression through personal experiences.
I hope you have found the quotes in this article as inspirational as I do. If you have any other artist quotes you think I should include here, please email me at [email protected].