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.

Who is this Monet whose name sounds just like mine and who is taking advantage of my notoriety?

One must be of one's time and paint what one sees.

You must always remain master of the situation and do what you please. No school tasks, ah, no! no tasks!

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.

The principal person in a picture is light.

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