Meaning: Pierre Bonnard, a French painter and printmaker, made this statement, emphasizing the importance of capturing one's initial impressions quickly and directly onto the canvas. Born in 1867, he was associated with the Post-Impressionist group Les Nabis, and later became known for his unique use of color and intimate domestic scenes. Bonnard's quote reflects his belief in the spontaneity of artistic expression and the significance of capturing immediate impressions before they fade from memory.

In the world of art, where creativity and inspiration play significant roles, the act of remembering and transcribing one's impressions onto canvas is a fundamental aspect of the artistic process. Bonnard's emphasis on "what most impressed you" suggests a personal and subjective approach to art-making, where individual experiences and emotions are valued as the driving force behind creative expression. By urging artists to act "as fast as possible," he underscores the fleeting nature of inspiration, urging artists to seize the moment and translate their initial reactions into tangible form.

Bonnard's quote can be interpreted as an encouragement for artists to trust their instincts and tap into their immediate responses to the world around them. It suggests that the most authentic and powerful artistic expressions often arise from visceral and spontaneous reactions. By urging artists to capture their impressions quickly, Bonnard advocates for a sense of urgency in artistic creation, highlighting the need to preserve the raw and unfiltered essence of one's initial experience.

From a technical perspective, the idea of putting one's impressions "on canvas" underscores the significance of the chosen medium. The act of transferring fleeting impressions onto a physical surface, whether canvas, paper, or any other material, involves a deliberate and purposeful transformation of intangible thoughts or emotions into tangible forms. Bonnard's emphasis on the canvas as the site for this transference suggests a reverence for the act of painting and a recognition of the canvas as a space where ephemeral moments can be preserved and immortalized.

Bonnard's artistic practice and the context of his quote also shed light on the broader artistic movements of his time. As a member of Les Nabis, a group of young artists in the late 19th century who sought to infuse art with a sense of spirituality and symbolism, Bonnard was part of a milieu that valued personal expression and subjective experiences. His quote can be seen as a reflection of these ideals, as well as a testament to the Nabis' emphasis on capturing the essence of a subject through individual perception rather than strict representation.

In conclusion, Pierre Bonnard's quote encapsulates the immediacy and spontaneity of artistic expression, urging artists to trust their initial impressions and translate them onto canvas without hesitation. It emphasizes the personal and subjective nature of creative expression, the significance of capturing fleeting moments, and the transformative power of the artistic medium. By highlighting the urgency of transcribing one's impressions and the reverence for the act of painting, Bonnard's quote offers valuable insights into the artistic process and the enduring relevance of capturing immediate experiences in visual art.