Inspirational Art Quotes By Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (25 February 1841 – 3 December 1919) was a leading French impressionist painter. Renoir’s works are colorful and vibrant with a distinct impressionist style.

Here are some of the famous quotes by Renoir:

“The pain passes, but the beauty remains.”

“Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.”

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, A Bouquet Of Roses, 1879
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, A Bouquet Of Roses, 1879

“I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black.”

“The work of art must seize upon you, wrap you up in itself, carry you away. It is the means by which the artist conveys his passion; it is the current which he puts forth which sweeps you along in his passion.”

“There are quite enough unpleasant things in life without the need to manufacture more.”

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, 1876
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, 1876

“We are in a period of searchers rather than of creators.” “-last words about painting, age 78…
I think I’m beginning to learn something about it.”

“You come to nature with all her theories, and she knocks them all flat.”

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Luncheon Of The Boating Party, 1880-1881
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Luncheon Of The Boating Party, 1880-1881

“If you paint the leaf on a tree without using a model, your imagination will only supply you with a few leaves; but Nature offers you millions, all on the same tree. No two leaves are exactly the same. The artist who paints only what is in his mind must very soon repeat himself.”

“One must from time to time attempt things that are beyond one’s capacity.”

“Art is about emotion; if art needs to be explained it is no longer art.”

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, By The Seashore, 1883
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, By The Seashore, 1883

“What seems most significant to me about our movement [Impressionism] is that we have freed painting from the importance of the subject. I am at liberty to paint flowers and call them flowers, without their needing to tell a story.”

“I have arrived more definitely than any other painter during his lifetime; honors shower upon me from every side; artists pay me compliments on my work; there are many people to whom my position must seem enviable…. But I don’t seem to have a single real friend!”

Quotes By Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Self-Portrait With A White Hat, 1910
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Dance At Moulin De La Galette, 1876
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Dance At Moulin De La Galette, 1876
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Apples And Grapes, 1910
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Apples And Grapes, 1910

What Is Your Favorite Quote?

Mine is…

“-last words about painting, age 78… I think I’m beginning to learn something about it.”

I think this says a lot about just how hard painting is to learn.

Thanks For Reading!

Feel free to share with friends. If you want more painting tips, check out my fundamentals course.

Happy painting!

Dan Scott

Draw Paint Academy

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Dan Scott is the founder of Draw Paint Academy. He's a self-taught artist from Australia with a particular interest in landscape painting. Draw Paint Academy is run by Dan and his wife, Chontele, with the aim of helping you get the most out of the art life. You can read more on the About page.

4 comments on “Inspirational Art Quotes By Pierre-Auguste Renoir”

  1. My favorite Renoir quote because people have said this to me re my art is “pretty” as tho afraid of offending me lol “Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.”
    Also, I’m 72 and still learning so…

    Reply

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