Artist’s Famous Quotes to Inspire You

Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Tracey McGrath

These artists’ famous quotes draw from their own experiences and creative wisdom. The quotes will inspire you to pursue your own greatness. Reflect on these artists’ famous quotes from the minds of renowned painters, writers, and actors to jumpstart your next creative project.

“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.” — Emile Zola

Written by groundbreaking French author Emile Zola, this inspiring quote encourages creative individuals to make use of their talents. By balancing your gifts with work and effort, you can aspire to reach new heights of creativity. If you choose to practice your skills, you will get better over time. It’s as simple as that. Consistency is the key.

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” ― Vincent van Gogh

I absolutely love this quote. Van Gogh’s legacy in the art world is indisputable, and this quote rings particularly true today. Don’t let your own internal doubts keep you from crafting the work of art that lies within you. Embrace your talents​ and unlock a new level of creativity by pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Mistakes help you to grow and learn.

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

One of Picasso’s most inspiring quotes looks at the power of dreams, imagination, and creativity. He reminds us of the importance of remaining uninhibited despite our environment and experiences. Creativity does not have to be seen as something which we outgrow, but rather something that stays with us. A creative practice can help you to develop ideas and see new possibilities.

This also touches on the subject of seeing art and playfulness as childish.  But rather than seeing it as something we no longer have time for as adults we can embrace the childlike expansion that art and creativity bring to our adult lives.  

“An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.” – Langston Hughes 

One of Langston Hughes’ most famous quotes, this line speaks to the importance of bravery and fearlessness when it comes to creative pursuits. He acknowledges that while we may face challenges in our artistic endeavors, we need to be able to override any fear that may stand in our way and choose what we really want to do.

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

French painter, sculptor, and printmaker Henri Matisse is known for his use of vibrant color and bold line work. He famously said that “creativity takes courage”—that it requires us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones and risk failure in order to create something beautiful. He not only emphasizes the importance of taking risks but also reminds us that failure is part of the artistic process.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

Anais Nin, a talented writer, points out how much we are in control of our lives by the choices we make.  If you choose to stay safe, your life in turn will shrink accordingly.  But if you choose to be courageous, facing and moving through your fears, your life expands.  Having the courage to do the thing you really want is the catalyst that allows your life to meet your dreams.  

“People wish to learn to swim and at the same time to keep one foot on the ground.” – Marcel Proust

Proust, a French novelist, was a wizard with words.   We cannot learn to do the things that require risk if we continually grip the safety of the shore.  You cannot learn to do new and often scary things without accepting the risk required.  And you have to do the thing in order to learn how to do it. Once you do it you set yourself free from the fear.     

“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo, a brilliant Mexican painter, created expressive paintings filled with bold colors and lines. Her life was tumultuous and her physical body was riddled with pain.  Kahlo gives us the inspiration to keep moving forward with her famous quote.  Indeed we can endure much more than we think we can however, at the moment it may not feel very true.  Remind yourself of Kahlo’s courage and bravery in overcoming illness and injury and her wise words despite those setbacks.  You too are just as brave.        

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from a single thing that I wanted to do.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe’s beautiful, flowing flower paintings are some of my favorites to get lost in.  The colors and lines dance along the canvas with such elegance and grace.  It’s comforting to know that this talented artist has also felt fear throughout her life.  But this artist’s famous quote reveals that she has lived her life exactly the way she wanted to despite the fear.  The fear will always be there but your life doesn’t wait.  Do it today. 

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” –  Walt Disney

In the same thread as O’Keeffe’s quote, the best way to do the thing you want to do is to simply do it.  Walt Disney, perhaps the greatest creative mind of the past century, posits that in order to start is to do just that…start.  All the talking in the world will still not allow you to experience the thing you want to feel or create the object you desire to see.  Many have talked all their lives about doing something and yet never lived the experience either out of fear, lack, or perceived inability.  You literally must do the thing in order to live it.  Dive in and get started today!  

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball

And to complete this list of inspiring artists’ famous quotes, here is Lucille Ball, one of the greatest comedians of our time.  She offers up the advice that in order to do anything, start first by learning to love yourself.  If you do not have that in place then everything will feel like an uphill battle.  But once loving yourself becomes second nature the rest is a piece of cake.  Suddenly the fear and anxiety melt away knowing deeply that you are loved regardless of the outcome.  And the freedom that comes with loving yourself, gives you the courage to do more, to brave the unknown, and to knock on opportunity’s door.  

Let’s Connect!

I hope these artists’ famous quotes are inspiring to you!  Creativity is a gift that you can use to unlock peace and joy in your life.  Check out my digital course, Becoming Blissful with Mindful Art, for a complete program that helps you find more mindful moments with simple art exercises that anyone can do.  We are all artists at heart!