Although even when I am being idle I have plenty of food for thought both early and late - thoughts both about and not about art.

I have the gift of neither the spoken nor the written word, especially if I have to say something about myself or my work. Whoever wants to know something about me -as an artist, the only notable thing- ought to look carefully at my pictures and try and see in them what I am and what I want to do.

Even when I have to write a simple letter I'm scared stiff as if faced with looming seasickness.

After tea it's back to painting - a large poplar at dusk with a gathering storm. From time to time instead of this evening painting session I go bowling in one of the neighbouring villages, but not very often.

I have never painted a self-portrait. I am less interested in myself as a subject for a painting than I am in other people, above all women... There is nothing special about me. I am a painter who paints day after day from morning to night... Who ever wants to know something about me... ought to look carefully at my pictures.

True relaxation, which would do me the world of good, does not exist for me.

Although even when I am being idle I have plenty of food for thought both early and late - thoughts both about and not about art.