Conciseness in art is essential and a refinement. The concise man makes one think; the verbose bores. Always work towards conciseness.

There 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.

The principal person in a picture is light.

Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail.

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 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.

It 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.