Margaret Keane Quotes

Powerful Margaret Keane for Daily Growth

About Margaret Keane

Margaret Keane (1927-), an American painter known for her unique and instantly recognizable Pop Art style, was born Helen Miller in Nashville, Tennessee on September 25, 1927. Her artistic talent emerged early, encouraged by her mother who recognized her potential and provided her with art supplies. Keane moved to California in the late 1940s, where she married Walter Keane, a man who would ultimately become both her creative partner and the source of much controversy in her life. The couple had two children together. In the 1950s, they collaborated on a series of paintings featuring large-eyed children, a style that became increasingly popular. However, it was Margaret's work that captured the public's imagination, while Walter took credit for the paintings, claiming they were his own. In 1965, this deception came to light when Margaret sued Walter, leading to a high-profile trial in which she won the right to be recognized as the true artist behind the works. This event, often referred to as the "Woman Behind the Whistles," marked a turning point in her life and career. Post-trial, Keane continued to paint and gained recognition for her unique style. She moved away from the large-eyed children motif and began exploring other themes, such as landscapes and portraits. Her work has been exhibited worldwide, and she is considered one of the most influential Pop Artists of her time. Despite the struggles and controversies in her life, Margaret Keane's art continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing her unique talent, perseverance, and the power of truth prevailing over deception.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I never wanted to be famous, I only wanted to be an artist."

This quote highlights that for Margaret Keane, the desire to create art was paramount, not the pursuit of fame or recognition. She sought authenticity in her craft and considered herself primarily as an artist, rather than a public figure. Fame was incidental to her creative pursuits, serving only as a byproduct rather than the ultimate goal.

"I'm not a clown painter. I paint people."

Margaret Keane, renowned for her unique, large-eyed waif portraits, clarifies that she is not simply a "clown painter" who creates whimsical or comedic works. Instead, she paints people, emphasizing the emotional depth and realism in her artistry, focusing on capturing the essence of her subjects rather than painting caricatures or humor-based art.

"The eyes have a soul and a personality; no matter how carefully you paint them, they are alive."

This quote emphasizes the remarkable power and life-like qualities that eyes possess within art. It suggests that even when depicting eyes with careful precision, they carry an inherent spirit and individuality, transcending the boundaries of mere physical representation and becoming entities with souls and personalities of their own. It underscores the ability of art to breathe life into inanimate objects, creating a captivating and intriguing connection between artist and viewer.

"Art is the truest expression of a person."

This quote suggests that an individual's true essence, feelings, thoughts, and experiences are most clearly reflected through their art. It implies that art serves as a mirror for the soul, allowing us to understand someone on a deeper level by examining their creative work. Furthermore, this statement underscores the unique power of art as a means of self-expression and self-discovery, making it an essential component of human existence.

"I feel that my art has a message, to be kind and understanding, to care about people, especially children."

Margaret Keane's quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in her artwork. By creating art with a message encouraging kindness, understanding, and concern for others, particularly children, she underscores the role that artists can play in fostering positive emotions and promoting empathy within society. This perspective invites viewers to reflect on their own actions towards others, inspiring them to act with care and consideration.

Don't tell lies, ever. No matter what - not even little white lies.

- Margaret Keane

White, Ever, Even, White Lies

I'm a night person; I don't usually get up till noon.

- Margaret Keane

Night, Person, Till, Noon

I finally got to the point where I decided I don't care if it's good art or bad art - it's what I do. I enjoy doing it, and people like it.

- Margaret Keane

Art, Doing, Bad, Good Art

The old, sad art colors are gone. Now I paint bright colors. I paint paintings which are happy, where children are laughing and playing with animals. I paint paradise on Earth. I still paint sadness sometimes, but there is sadness in the world, too.

- Margaret Keane

Happy, Bright, Sometimes, Laughing

Stand up for your rights and be brave, and don't be intimidated. Read your Bible. That's really given me strength, and it will give you strength. Pray, and use God's name, Jehovah. And never tell a lie, ever.

- Margaret Keane

Strength, Jehovah, Use, Be Brave

I would like to think all our gifts and talents and abilities come from God.

- Margaret Keane

Think, Like, Would, Talents

I didn't really start appreciating Picasso until a few years back. I didn't like him at all. But now I can see this world is crazy.

- Margaret Keane

Start, Like, Appreciating, Picasso

For many years, I had allowed my second husband to take credit for my paintings. But one day, unable to continue the deception any longer, I left him and my home in California and moved to Hawaii.

- Margaret Keane

One Day, Allowed, Moved, Credit

In the beginning, I started doing portraits of children, and of course, children have large eyes. For some reason, they just started getting bigger and bigger. Then, when I started painting imaginary children rather than real ones, they became bigger still.

- Margaret Keane

Reason, Some, Became, Imaginary

I don't know why I paint what I paint. I think it comes out - it's kind of my subconscious or something.

- Margaret Keane

Think, Kind, I Think, Subconscious

I didn't want people to know that I was an artist. I was ashamed. I thought artists were weird, crazy people, you know. So I always kind of hid the fact that I was an artist.

- Margaret Keane

Fact, Always, Ashamed, Hid

I was always drawing eyes, even as a child. Eyes fascinated me.

- Margaret Keane

Drawing, Always, Even, Child

People either hate my paintings or they love them. There does not seem to be much middle ground.

- Margaret Keane

Love, Middle, Them, Paintings

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