You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and universal figure and still keep it living and real.
Edouard ManetIt is not enough to know your craft - you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more.
Edouard ManetYou must always remain master of the situation and do what you please. No school tasks, ah, no! no tasks!
Edouard ManetWho is this Monet whose name sounds just like mine and who is taking advantage of my notoriety?
Edouard ManetThere is only one true thing: instantly paint what you see. When you've got it, you've got it. When you haven't, you begin again. All the rest is humbug.
Edouard ManetThe attacks of which I have been the object have broken the spring of life in me... People don't realize what it feels like to be constantly insulted.
Edouard ManetIn a face, look for the main light and the main shadow; the rest will come naturally — it's often not important. And then you must cultivate your memory, because Nature will only provide you with references. Nature is like a warden in a lunatic asylum. It stops you from becoming banal.
Edouard Manet