Very few people have a natural feeling for painting, and so, of course, they naturally think that painting is an expression of the artist's mood. But it rarely is. Very often he may be in greatest despair and be painting his happiest paintings.

Then bless thy secret growth, nor catch At noise, but thrive unseen and dumb; Keep clean, be as fruit, earn life, and watch, Till the white-wing'd reapers come.

In all negotiations of difficulty, a man may not look to sow and reap at once; but must prepare business, and so ripen it by degrees.

The natures and dispositions of men are, not without truth, distinguished from the predominance of the planets.

I don't think people are born artists; I think it comes from a mixture of your surroundings, the people you meet, and luck.

Opportunity makes a thief.

The genius of any single man can no more equal learning, than a private purse hold way with the exchequer.