The joys of parents are secret, and so are their grieves and fears.

I loathe my own face, and I've done self-portraits because I've had nobody else to do.

All painting is an accident. But it's also not an accident, because one must select what part of the accident one chooses to preserve.

The sun, though it passes through dirty places, yet remains as pure as before.

As you work, the mood grows on you. There are certain images which suddenly get hold of me and I really want to do them. But it's true to say that the excitement and possibilities are in the working and obviously can only come in the working.

There is in man's nature a secret inclination and motion towards love of others, which, if it be not spent upon some one or a few, doth naturally spread itself towards many, and maketh men become humane and charitable, as it is seen sometimes in friars. Nuptial love maketh mankind, friendly love perfecteth it, but wanton love corrupteth and embaseth it.

Images also help me find and realise ideas. I look at hundreds of very different, contrasting images and I pinch details from them, rather like people who eat from other people`s plates.