Quotes by James Whistler

About James Whistler:

James Abbott McNeill Whistler is "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" (1871), commonly known as Whistler's Mother, the revered and oft-parodied portrait of motherhood. Whistler influenced the art world and the broader culture of his time with his artistic theories and his friendships with leading artists and writers.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Work alone will efface the footsteps of work.

James Whistler

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.

James Whistler

To say of a picture, as is often said in its praise, that it shows great and earnest labour, is to say that it is incomplete and unfit for view.

James Whistler

You shouldn't say it is not good. You should say, you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.

James Whistler

You should not say it is not good. You should say you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.

James Whistler

The rare few, who, early in life have rid themselves of the friendship of the many.

James Whistler

I can't tell you if genius is hereditary, because heaven has granted me no offspring.

James Whistler

I am not arguing with you - I am telling you.

James Whistler

If other people are going to talk, conversation becomes impossible.

James Whistler

An artist's career always begins tomorrow.

James Whistler

I maintain that two and two would continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.

James Whistler

The vast majority of English folk cannot and will not consider a picture as a picture, apart from any story which it may be supposed to tell.

James Whistler

It takes a long time for a man to look like his portrait.

James Whistler

To say to the painter that Nature is to be taken as she is, is to say to the player that he may sit on the piano.

James Whistler

Author Bio

  • NameJames Whistler
  • DescriptionAmerican-born, British-based artist
  • AliasesJames McNeill Whistler; James Whistler
  • BornJuly 11, 1834
  • DiedJuly 17, 1903
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPainter; Etcher
  • WorksNocturne: Blue And Gold – Old Battersea Bridge; Nocturne In Black And Gold – The Falling Rocket; Whistler's Mother
  • AwardsKnight Of The Legion Of Honour; Officer Of The Legion Of Honour