QuoteProject
A painter must think of everything he sees as being there entirely for his own use and pleasure.
Lucian Freud
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the personal interpretation and enjoyment an artist should derive from their surroundings.

Lucian Freud's quote reflects the notion that a painter, or artist in general, should perceive the world around them as a canvas filled with opportunities for personal expression and pleasure. This mindset encourages artists to embrace their unique perspectives and find beauty in their surroundings, transforming the ordinary into something meaningful through their art.

Themes

ArtPaintingCreativityPerspectiveExpression

In practice

Example use cases

An art class where students are encouraged to interpret their environment in a personalized way.

More from Lucian Freud

Since the model he so faithfully copies is not going to be hung up next to the picture... it is of no interest whether it is an accurate copy of the model.
Lucian FreudRead
When I look at a body it gives me choice of what to put in a painting, what will suit me and what won't. There is a distinction between fact and truth. Truth has an element of revelation about it. If something is true, it does more than strike one as merely being so.
Lucian FreudRead
It is the only point of getting up every morning: to paint, to make something good, to make something even better than before, not to give up, to compete, to be ambitious.
Lucian FreudRead
The character of the artist doesn't enter into the nature of the art
Lucian FreudRead
I paint people, not because of what they are like, not exactly in spite of what they are like, but how they happen to be.
Lucian FreudRead
I could never put anything into a picture that wasn't actually there in front of me. That would be a pointless lie, a mere bit of artfulness.
Lucian FreudRead

Similar quotes

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.
BanksyRead
A poet's work is to name the unnameable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep.
Salman RushdieRead
I don't see myself in terms of artifice. I see myself as a real person who chooses to live my life in an open way - artistically.
Lady GagaRead
I have designed my style pantomimes as white ink drawings on black backgrounds, so that man's destiny appears as a thread lost in an endless labyrinth. I have tried to shed some gleams of light on the shadow of man startled by his anguish.
Marcel MarceauRead
I had two major activities as a child. I was trying to put on shows with kids in my street, or I was drawing. Actually, what I'm doing now is exactly what I was doing then. Either I'm drawing, or I'm gathering people for a common project. The only difference is that now they are paying me for that.
Marjane SatrapiRead
I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.
Freddie MercuryRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.