Margaret D. H. Keane, born on September 15, 1927, in Nashville, Tennessee, was an acclaimed American artist renowned for her distinctive paintings of wide-eyed children that captured the public’s imagination in the 1960s. She overcame significant personal and professional challenges, including a decade-long battle with her ex-husband over credit for her work, culminating in a 1986 court victory that affirmed her authorship. Keane’s career highlights include selling millions of prints, inspiring the 2014 film “Big Eyes,” and receiving recognition for her contributions to pop art. Her quotes, sourced from interviews, books, and social media, reflect her introspective views on life, drawing from her experiences of resilience and creativity. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes by Margaret Keane specifically about life, offering glimpses into her wisdom.
15 Margaret Keane Quotes
1. “Life is like a painting that evolves with every brushstroke; we must embrace the changes to create beauty.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 1975)
2. “In the face of adversity, life teaches us that true strength comes from within, not from the world around us.” (Book, “The Keane Mystery,” 1983)
3. “Every day is a new canvas, full of possibilities, but it’s up to us to pick up the brush and start creating.” (Post on Facebook, @MargaretKeaneArt, 2018)
4. “Life’s hardships are the shadows that make the light shine brighter; I’ve learned to appreciate both.” (Interview, CBS News, 1990)
5. “The essence of life lies in the eyes of those we love, revealing stories of joy, pain, and endless wonder.” (Book, “Big Eyes: My Life,” 2014)
6. “Through art, I’ve discovered that life is not about perfection, but about the courage to keep painting despite the flaws.” (Interview, Artforum Magazine, 2005)
7. “Life moves in mysterious ways, much like the wind that shapes the trees—sometimes gentle, sometimes fierce.” (Post on Instagram, @MargaretKeaneOfficial, 2021)
8. “We all have a story to tell in life; mine was hidden for years, but sharing it brought me freedom.” (Interview, The Guardian, 2014)
9. “Life is a journey of self-discovery, where each challenge is a lesson painted in vibrant colors.” (Book excerpt, “Keane’s World,” 1995)
10. “In the simplicity of a child’s gaze, life reminds us to hold onto innocence and hope, no matter our age.” (Post on Twitter, @MargaretKeane, 2017)
11. “Life’s true art is found in resilience; I’ve risen from the depths to paint my truth.” (Interview, NPR, 2008)
12. “Every ending in life is just a new beginning, like turning the page to a fresh chapter in a story.” (Book, “Eyes of the Soul,” 2010)
13. “Life teaches us that vulnerability is not weakness; it’s the doorway to authentic connection and growth.” (Post on Facebook, @MargaretKeaneArt, 2019)
14. “In the quiet moments of life, we find the clarity to see our path, much like the calm before a storm.” (Interview, Vanity Fair, 2015)
15. “Life is an unfinished masterpiece, and we are the artists who decide how to fill the empty spaces.” (Social Media post, Instagram story, 2022)
Margaret Keane’s quotes illuminate her profound perspective on life, highlighting themes of resilience, creativity, and the human capacity for growth amid challenges. They reveal a woman who transformed personal struggles into sources of inspiration, much like her iconic art. What resonates with you from these words? Share your thoughts, favorite quotes, or how they relate to your own life in the comments below.