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About this quote

What does it mean?
Artists must remain open to revising their work, using perceived weaknesses to rethink the entire piece.
In plain terms
Treat weaknesses in a piece as entry points to change the whole thing.
What can you take from it?
Stay flexible and ready to rethink your work when issues arise.

Where it applies

  • painting
  • writing
  • design

Putting it to work

  • revisit weak spots
  • embrace change
  • stay open

Questions to consider

  • How do you handle flaws?
  • When should you stop changing?

Another view

Constant revision can lead to endless work without finishing.

More from Henri Matisse

  1. I will repeat what I once said to Guillaume Apollinaire: 'For my part I have never avoided the influence of others. I would have considered it cowardice and a …

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  2. You study, you learn, but you guard the original naivete. It has to be within you, as desire for drink is within the drunkard or love is within the lover.

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  3. Slowly I discovered the secret of my art. It consists of a meditation on nature, on the expression of a dream which is always inspired by reality. With more in…

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