10 Motivational Quotes for Artists to Stay Positive

Motivational Quotes for Artists

Artists can get a little down every now and again. Sometimes we need some help to get back to where we should be. I always keep motivational quotes handy to help me stay positive.

Sometimes you just need the right words to inspire a new piece of art or get past the dreaded artist’s block. Most of these quotes also apply to life in general, so they can help with everyday things.

Here are quotes from some of my favorite inspirational people and some of my own quotes. I hope they help you stay inspired and positive. I keep adding to the list as I find more quotes that inspire me so check back from time to time.

If you need a little more inspiration to start painting, check out my post on the many reasons to learn to paint and if you are brand new to painting you might like to read some painting tips for beginning artists.

See the web story here.

purple background with white swirls and art quote in white letters — Practicing art is a way to make your soul grow

purple and pink flowers on a blurred background with art quote overlay — Inside you is an artist you don’t know about

picture of flowers in blossom as a background for art quote — The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

Don’t compare yourself to others. They’re not you.

blue flowers drawn on a blue background with art quote overlay — I found that I could say things with colors and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way

seagulls flying with art quote overlay — I would like to paint the way a bird sings

Pink and white cosmos flowers with art quote by DaVinci — The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of

White paper on a brown background with a green plant in a red pot and a creativity quote by Einstein — Creativity is intelligence having fun

white paper on brown background with a green plant and a quote by Paulo Coelho — Impossible is just an opinion

Background with white candle and pink hyacinths flowers on white wooden planks with creativity quote — You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.

white flowers on blue wooden planks with art quote — Art is the silent expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

purple background with four crayons and art quote the day you opened your first box of crayons you became an Artist — The day you opened your first box of crayons, you became an artist.

green leaves on white planks with creativity quote — Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Blue space background with clouds and stars and art quote by Da Vinci — The painter has the universe in his mind and hands.

pink background with gold filagree with quote about creativity — There are no rules for creativity. There are only thoughts, ideas, and feelings all drawn out on a canvas.

pink background with white filaments and a creative quote — Don’t tell people about your dreams. Show them your dreams.

white background with pink and red roses and a quote about painting — No painting is a failure. It is an experiment, a lesson or an inspiration for the future.

pink paint streak on white background with art quote — Action overcomes fear. Make that first brushstroke and paint away your fear.

white notebook and pencil on a pink background with quote — Write your own life story. Don’t let anyone else hold the pen.

purple background with quote about goals — You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

multicolored splashes of paint with art quote overlay — Start with one stroke. The painting will come.

Bouquet of tulips in jug on green background and art quote by Picasso — Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

blue washed wooden background with pink flowers and art quote — Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

tree branch with white flowers and green leaves — There are no bad paintings. Just unfinished works waiting to be improved upon.

I hope you enjoyed reading these quotes and that they gave you some inspiration and motivation. I like to pin my favorite quotes around the house to help keep me in a positive frame of mind all day.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying that inspires you? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

Come join our private Facebook group, Trembeling Art Creative Corner, for more inspiration from other artists. Post your work, ask questions, get advice, and hang out with some wonderful artists from beginner to professional. A great place to be if you are just starting out. 😊

Digital signature Marilyn with butterfly

Bunny

15/04/2026 at 7:44 am

Good Morning Marilyn,

Thank you for all of your free information, dedication, hard work and beautiful art. God has given you many talents, wisdom, kindness.

Blessings always
Bunny

Joquim

22/04/2024 at 7:26 am

I absolutely love these art quotes. They’re so inspiring & really capture the healing power of art. One of my favorite quotes that I think would fit perfectly here is by Vincent van Gogh, ‘I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.’ It speaks to the passion and dedication that art can bring to our lives.

Anne Nicholls

11/08/2023 at 3:43 am

Marilyn you are an inspiration.
Thank you.
Anne – South Africa

Vedat

01/08/2023 at 1:39 pm

Thank you very much Marily,
These are very inspirational and motivating. And every artist should read them again and again sometime.
Best regards,
Vedat KONYALI

Joyce Elledge

01/04/2023 at 4:15 pm

I really enjoyed your quotes. Thank you for sharing. I like the one from Andy Warhol…just thought I would share. “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make more art.” from Joyce 4/1/23 ENJOY !