Art Quotes From Famous Artists: What We Can Learn

There always seems to be pressure on artists to constantly have creative ideas, but in reality, even the most talented artists need guidance at times. A great way to stay motivated is by getting art inspiration from icons in the artistic field. We’re talking artists like Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. 

Learning from artists will help you stay creative, discover how to find your art style, and get the confidence you need to keep creating. The best part about being an artist is that you have a whole community backing you up, so take every bit of knowledge you can!

What Inspired Famous Artists?  

Artists typically find inspiration in what they consider compelling, like nature, people, places, emotions, and other intangible ideas. If you grew up living in New York, for instance, then maybe some parts of the location inspire your art style. In truth, art inspiration can be found wherever you look, even within your thoughts and emotions. 

Famous artists also had their beliefs when creating their masterpieces. Take a look at some of their notable art quotes to help you find and nurture your unique artistic voice: 

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Pablo Picasso  

Known for his interesting painting techniques and co-invention of the cubism painting style, Pablo Picasso is arguably one of the most famous artists in history. He was a firm believer in enjoying art to the fullest and finding joy in creating. 

This is something today’s artists must strive for as well. Think of art as something to get away from the mundane, stressful, repetitive routine you go through. It could be an avenue that helps you escape and get lost in your creations. Like Picasso, don’t be afraid to embrace exploration and allow art to fill your life with joy and color.

“Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” - Claude Monet  

From the outside looking in, art seems to be a combination of paint, paper, canvas, colors, and other materials, but in reality it is so much more than that. Claude Monet was known for his love of painting sceneries, especially ones that he knew very well in France, and they were bursting with color, emotion, and mastery. 

It’s essential for artists to not only embrace color in their works of art but also the emotions that come with them. If you’re feeling nostalgic over doing a painting, sad over a sculpture, or enamored with a sketch, those emotions are all part of the artistic process. Embracing emotion is your gateway to creativity and self-discovery.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh 

One of the most important things to remember is that making art is a process. Whatever that process is or no matter what order of steps you take to complete an artwork, it’s all something to be proud of.  For example, although Vincent Van Gogh had a short artistic career, he made the most of his experience and is now one of the most known painters in history. 

Don’t be ashamed of taking longer to learn compared to others, remain patient with yourself, and trust that diligence and believing in yourself will take you to your goal.

“Do not fear mistakes - there are none.” - Miles Davis 

Learning from artists also means learning from their mistakes. American musician Miles Davis believed in the power of learning from your struggles and that these struggles shape you into the artist you’re destined to become. After all, you can’t immediately be perfect at something from the very first try. 

Lots of people suffer from perfectionism, and while it can help speed up your journey to success, it can also be harmful to your mental health and motivation. Trust the process, embrace your mistakes, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember, the road to perfection is riddled with moments of imperfection.

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe  

The beautiful thing about art is that it’s a means of communication, of telling a story to those who behold it. Georgia O’Keeffe held this belief close to her during her life, creating sketches and paintings that have countless stories hidden beneath. Today, she is considered to be one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. 

When creating your works of art, bear in mind that art is something personal, intimate, and not always worthy of other people’s opinions. Be proud of your progress and the things you’ve accomplished, because art is the ultimate form of reflection and self-expression.

How Do You Get Inspiration From Other Artists? 

Let other artists inspire you by looking at their creative process, dissecting elements of their work, and finding motivation in their beliefs. You might feel that creating art is a solitary experience, but that’s not always the case because a community of art enthusiasts is always within reach. 

We hope this guide on quotes and lessons from famous artists has been helpful in your artistic journey. Whether you’re confused about sketching portraits or find it difficult to overcome beginner frustration in watercoloring, this is a process ALL artists go through. Be diligent in your work, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy making your works of art! Visit The Creative Corner for more art tips, ideas, and inspiration.