No single man can be taken as a model for a perfect figure, for no man lives on earth who is endowed with the whole of beauty.

An artist of understanding and experience can show more of his great power and art in small things roughly and rudely done, than many another in a great work. A man may often draw something with his pen on a half sheet of paper in one day . . . . and it shall be fuller of art and better than another's great work whereon he hath spent a whole year's careful labor.

Geometry is the foundation of all painting.

No single man can be taken as a model for a perfect figure, for no man lives on earth who is endowed with the whole of beauty.

What beauty is, I know not, though it adheres to many things.

And since geometry is the right foundation of all painting, I have decided to teach its rudiments and principles to all youngsters eager for art. . .

The artist is chosen by God to fulfill his commands and must never be overwhelmed by public opinion.