Matisse makes a drawing, then he makes a copy of it. He recopies it five times, ten times, always clarifying the line. He's convinced that the last, the most stripped down, is the best, the purest, the definitive one; and in fact, most of the time, it was the first. In drawing, nothing is better than the first attempt.

Summary

This quote by Pablo Picasso highlights the artistic process of Matisse and the belief that the initial attempt, the first drawing, is often the most authentic and pure form of expression. Matisse's continuous refining and copying of his drawings reveals his dedication to finding the essential qualities of the artwork. However, Picasso points out that, more often than not, the original creative impulse and spontaneity captured in the first attempt cannot be surpassed or improved upon. The quote emphasizes the importance of embracing the initial creative instincts and not overanalyzing or overworking them.

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