Welcome to our collection of insightful quotes by Pierre Bonnard, a prominent French painter and printmaker, celebrated for his contributions to the Post-Impressionist movement. Born in Fontenay-aux-Roses, France, in 1867, Bonnard’s artistic journey led him to become one of the leading figures of Les Nabis, a group of avant-garde artists who sought to revolutionize the art world with their innovative techniques and perspectives.
Bonnard’s work is characterized by its vibrant colors, bold compositions, and intimate glimpses into everyday life. His paintings often depict domestic scenes, landscapes, and portraits with a keen attention to light and form, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Through his unique visual language, Bonnard invites viewers to explore the subtleties of human experience and the beauty found in the ordinary moments of life.
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Pierre Bonnard’s most profound quotes, offering glimpses into his creative process, artistic philosophy, and reflections on the world around him. Feel free to explore these quotes, whether for personal inspiration, artistic endeavors, or simply to gain insight into the mind of this influential painter.
It is still color, it is not yet light. Pierre Bonnard
When you forget everything, there only remains yourself – and that is not enough. Pierre Bonnard
I’m trying to do what I have never done – give the impression one has on entering a room: one sees everything and at the same time nothing. Pierre Bonnard
I should like to present myself to the young painters of the year 2000 with the wings of a butterfly. Pierre Bonnard
You reason color more than you reason drawing… Color has a logic as severe as form. Pierre Bonnard
Art will never be able to exist without nature. Pierre Bonnard
Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it. Pierre Bonnard
Draw your pleasure, paint your pleasure, and express your pleasure strongly. Pierre Bonnard
The precision of naming takes away from the uniqueness of seeing. Pierre Bonnard
One always talks of surrendering to nature. There is also such a thing as surrendering to the picture. Pierre Bonnard
The important thing is to remember what most impressed you and to put it on canvas as fast as possible. Pierre Bonnard
Work on the accent, it will enliven the whole. Pierre Bonnard
You cannot possibly invent painting all by yourself. Pierre Bonnard
A painting that is well composed is half finished. Pierre Bonnard