Henri Matisse played an impactful role in the development of art in the 20th century. He is well known for his use of color, form, and shape.

Did you know that Matisse had planned to be a lawyer and even passed the bar? He didn’t become interested in art until he was 21 years old. Using a set of oils he received from his mother, he began painting while recuperating from appendicitis. This changed the trajectory of his life.

Here are 5 quotes attributed to Matisse:

“I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost me.”

“Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.”

“I don’t paint things. I only paint the difference between things.”

“An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success. etc.”