The fascinating thing, is not to show the source of light, but the effect of light.

You must aim high, not in what you are going to do at some future date, but in what you are going to make yourself do to-day. Otherwise, working is just a waste of time.

I really have a lot of stuff in my head; if only there were insurance companies for that as there are for so many things.

Realism is more important than the sentiment of the picture.

No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is the result of reflection and the study of the great masters.

My art, what do you want to say about it? Do you think you can explain the merits of a picture to those who do not see them? . . . I can find the best and clearest words to explain my meaning, and I have spoken to the most intelligent people about art, and they have not understood; but among people who understand, words are not necessary, you say humph, he, ha and everything has been said.

So that's the telephone? They ring, and you run.