Quotes from Hans Hofmann

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

People say 'Hofmann has different styles'. I have not. I have different moods; I am not two days the same man.

Through a painting, we can see the whole world.

Eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

A work of art is a world in itself reflecting senses and emotions of the artist's world.

A work of art is finished, from the point of view of the artist, when feeling and perception have resulted in a spiritual synthesis.

It makes no difference whether a work is naturalistic or abstract; every visual expression follows the same fundamental laws

When the impulses which stir us to profound emotion are integrated with the medium of expression, every interview of the soul may become art. This is contingent upon mastery of the medium.

We are connected with our own age if we recognize ourselves in relation to outside events; and we have grasped its spirit when we influence the future.

To sense the invisible and to be able to create it, that is art.

Every art expression is rooted fundamentally in the personality and temperament of the artist.

I can't understand how anyone is able to paint without optimism. Despite the general pessimistic attitude in the world today, I am nothing but an optimist.