The arts have a development which comes not only from the individual but also from a whole acquired force, the civilization which precedes us. One cannot do just anything. A talented artist cannot do whatever he pleases. If he only used his gifts, he would not exist. We are not the masters of what we produce. It is imposed on us.

I have always tried to hide my efforts and wished my works to have a light joyousness of springtime which never lets anyone suspect the labors it has cost me.

Nothing can be accomplished without love.

Don't wait for inspiration. It comes while one is working.

The artist begins with a vision - a creative operation requiring effort. Creativity takes courage.

The portrait is one of the most curious art forms. It demands special qualities in the artist, and an almost total kinship with the model.

If I close my eyes, I see things better than with my eyes open.