There is only one true thing: Instantly paint what you see.

In 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.

The country only has charms for those not obliged to stay there.

Concision in art is a necessity and an elegance. The verbose painter bores: who will get rid of all these trimmings?

No one can be a painter unless he cares for painting above all else.

The 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.

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.