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About this quote

What does it mean?
Effort should be hidden so the work feels naturally light.
In plain terms
I want my work to seem easy even though it was hard.
What can you take from it?
Make hard work look effortless.

Where it applies

  • public perception
  • artistic presentation
  • professionalism

Putting it to work

  • hide the struggle
  • polish the result
  • show confidence

Questions to consider

  • How much effort should show in your work?
  • Is ease more important than truth?

Another view

Hiding effort may undervalue the work of creation.

More from Henri Matisse

  1. It is only after years of preparation that the young [artist] should touch color - not color used descriptively, that is, but as a means of personal expression.

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. I have been no more than a medium, as it were.

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.

    Permalink to quote #9

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