Henry Matisse’s “Notes of a Painter” provides an excellent reference for modern concepts of artistic expression. The notes state the feelings and aspirations of Matisse as a painter. A painter presents himself before the public not only to display his works, but also to expose his ideas of painting, which might lead to several dangers . People think that painting is a part of literature and wish to see literary ideas in the paintings instead of general ideas. However, work best speaks about a painter. Matisse explains the difference between his present works and earlier works in regards to the change in his thought process. He says that his destination has always been the same, but the route he adopted to reach the destination changed with time. Matisse denies commenting the works of other artists as that would lead to disparagement; however, he explains his attempts of art through the works of other artists . Matisse’s works depict his technical ability, which goes beyond visual satisfaction. The thought of a painter is purely visible in his works through pictorial means.
Matisse gives a new definition for expression. He says that expression is not a mere passion in the human face or a violent movement, but it is the proportional arrangement of the figures and empty spaces of the picture in an orderly manner . Matisse also mentions about composition as the art of decoratively arranging the diverse elements of the picture, which express the feelings of a painter. Both the principal and secondary elements of a picture play a vital role; hence, the painter should avoid superfluous details and keep the work as harmonious as possible. Matisse advises that expression is the aim of composition, which must have modifications according to the coverage of the surface. He describes that a picture must give life to things around it through an expansive force. An artist should take utmost care while transferring the picture from one canvas to another in order to preserve the expression and make sure he alters the character of the picture .
The fleeting sensations such as charm, freshness and lightness give a broader meaning to the picture. The painter should replace the original tone of the picture with a greater density to make avoid the dullness of the tone. Matisse quotes the examples of impressionist painters Monet and Sisley, whose canvases look alike due to the delicate sensations . In order to give a lasting interpretation to reality, an artist must continually modify and transform the picture in search of a truer and essential character. Matisse classifies the expression of things into two ways, one to depict them in a crude way and the other to evoke them through art. The beauty and grandeur of art is possible through the representation of movement. For example, the Egyptian sculptures create a sense of movement in spite of their rigidity . However, movement is unstable and unsuitable to a statue unless the artist is aware of the entire action of the sculpture. An artist must define the character of the objects in the paintings and make sure that the different tones in the canvas do not weaken each other. The artist must maintain harmony of colors in the picture.
An artist must never confuse the expression by merely grouping a set of fragments; instead have a clear vision of the image from the beginning. Matisse appreciates Cezanne’s pictures for their arrangement as they are clearly visible irrespective of the distance . Order and clarity is visible in the picture only if the painter is conscious of the necessity or well aware of the outset. The fundamental function of color is to serve expression in the picture. Matisse provides the example of Signac, whose works display complementary colors, which change the figure or transform the composition. Matisse expresses his interest in human figure rather still life or landscape. He dreams of art as a balance of purity and serenity . Art is a soothing and calming influence on mind, which provides relaxation from physical fatigue. Matisse distinguishes between painters who work on nature and those who work on pure imagination. An artist must be capable to organize his sensations in the same frame of mind on different days.
Matisse quotes the works of several artists whose expressions derive from the necessity of the work rather strange, bizarre and eccentric colors. For example, Leonardo claims that an artist who can copy can create. On the other hand, Cezanne always tries to secure likeness in his works. Also, Chardin applies color until there is a resemblance in the picture. An artist must recognize nature, copy it in his mind and interpret it with conviction. The role of an artist is to seize the current truths and define an own meaning after grasping the deepest significance of the truths. Matisse gives an example of M. Peladan who reproached several painters in his work Revue Hebdomadaire . Matisse believes that rules have no existence beyond individuals. He admits that the works of Raphael or Titian define a complete set of rules when compared to the works of Manet or Renoir. Matisse concludes that artists bear the imprint of time and there exists an indissoluble bond between the artists belonging to different time periods.
Works Cited
Harrison, C., & Wood, P. (2003). Art in Theory: 1900 to 2000- An Anthology of Changing Ideas. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.
Wilson, S. (2009). Henri Matisse. Distributed Art Pub Incorporated.
