"Creation is the artist's true function; where there is no creation there is no art."
French Artist
1869 - 1954
Commentary
Most of us are drawn to the arts because of a need to create something, to express what we are feeling. Those who stay involved with some art form, such as writing, painting or acting, must also learn technique, but if in the study of techniques we forget creativity, we have lost touch with the purpose of art. Creativity is the very heart of what we do. The mastery and perfection of technique must never be more important then the creative impulse. The art we create must be fresh and new, not boring and repetitious.
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| Matisse, Woman With A Hat, 1905 |
Biography
Henri Matisse was born in northern France, the eldest son of a grain merchant. At 18, he moved to Paris to study law. At 20, he had an appendicitis attack and while recovering took up painting because his mother gave him art supplies to keep him from being bored. When Matisse decided to study art instead of law, his father was very disappointed.
Matisse is best known for his use of color and his original draughtsmanship. While he was a printmaker and sculptor, he is best known as a painter. His creative work spans more than half a century and he is considered one of the leading painters in modern art.
Video
Here is a documentary about Henri Matisse.
