Edouard Manet Quotes

This woman's work is exceptional. Too bad she's not a man.

There is only one true thing: Instantly paint what you see.

Black is not a color.

You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and universal figure and still keep it living and real.

It is not enough to know your craft - you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more.

There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.

Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail.

You must always remain master of the situation and do what you please. No school tasks, ah, no! no tasks!

Who is this Monet whose name sounds just like mine and who is taking advantage of my notoriety?

One must be of one's time and paint what one sees.

I paint what I see and not what others like to see.

The latest fashion… is absolutely necessary for a painting. It’s what matters most.

The country only has charms for those not obliged to stay there.

There is only one true thing: instantly paint what you see. When you've got it, you've got it. When you haven't, you begin again. All the rest is humbug.

I would kiss you, had I the courage.

The attacks of which I have been the object have broken the spring of life in me... People don't realize what it feels like to be constantly insulted.

Above all, keep your colors fresh!

In a face, look for the main light and the main shadow; the rest will come naturally — it's often not important. And then you must cultivate your memory, because Nature will only provide you with references. Nature is like a warden in a lunatic asylum. It stops you from becoming banal.

No one can be a painter unless he cares for painting above all else.

The principal person in a picture is light.

Concision in art is a necessity and an elegance. The verbose painter bores: who will get rid of all these trimmings?

Color is a matter of taste and sensitivity.

Conciseness in art is essential and a refinement. The concise man makes one think; the verbose bores. Always work towards conciseness.