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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cezanne had the greatest influence on the artist's modern work.
In plain terms
I owe my artistic style mostly to Cezanne.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge the masters who shaped your path.

Where it applies

  • artistic development
  • studying predecessors
  • modern art

Putting it to work

  • study your influences
  • give credit
  • trace your roots

Questions to consider

  • Who influenced your craft the most?
  • How do you honor your mentors?

Another view

Over-reliance on one influence can limit originality.

More from Henri Matisse

  1. I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. Instinct must be thwarted just as one prunes the branches of a tree so that it will grow better.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. I do not literally paint the table, but the emotion it produces on me...

    Permalink to quote #28

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