"I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things"

Henri Matisse's quote speaks to the idea that art is not about duplicating truth, but rather about capturing the essence of a subject. He thought that the artist's job was to catch the distinctions in between things, rather than merely painting what they see. This idea is shown in his usage of vibrant colors and abstract shapes, which frequently contrast with the natural world. By emphasizing the distinctions between things, Matisse had the ability to develop masterpieces that were unique and meaningful. His quote also speaks with the idea that art is not about perfection, but rather about catching the essence of a topic. By concentrating on the differences between things, Matisse had the ability to create artworks that were both beautiful and meaningful. His quote is a reminder that art is not about duplicating reality, however rather about recording the essence of a subject.