Art quote of the day by Alfred Tonnelle: “The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is”

Art has never been just what we see with our eyes; it holds relevance and a deeper message that is visible only on the surface. For an artist, the art that they create is a mode to express the turmoil in their mind and the message they want to convey to the viewers, beyond what they see with their eyes.

Every painting, poem, photograph, film, or song carries something personal from the creator. This is why two artists can look at the same object, event, or situation and create completely different works because of the beauty of the difference in their perspectives. Their minds, emotions, and life experiences shape deeply impact they see and how they present it to the world.

“The artist does not see things as they are, but as he is.”

- Alfred Tonnelle
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French writer and poet Alfred Tonnelle beautifully describes this idea in his quote and suggests that art is never fully objective. Instead, it is a true representation of the personality, emotions, and inner world of the artist as what we create is influenced by who we are at that moment in life.

The artist does not just copy what he sees with his eyes; instead, they understand the rational and reality through their own emotions, beliefs, memories, and personality. So the next time, when you visit an art gallery or have a glance at your favourite painter’s works, do not just see it as a painting. Take it with reverence and understanding as a ‘masterpiece’, and as a reflection of their inner self.

For example, two painters may paint the same sunset. One may use warm and joyful colours to express hope, while another may choose darker shades with a shadow effect to show loneliness or sadness. The sunset itself has not changed, but the emotional experience of the artist changes how it is represented. This is why art feels personal and specific to the creator.


The quote is not limited to just paintings, as writers, movie directors, musicians, photographers, and even designers express their own perspectives through their work. A filmmaker may focus on themes of struggle because of personal hardships, while a musician may create uplifting songs inspired by happiness and growth.