The splitting up of color [as Impressionists did] brought the splitting up of form and contour . . . Everything is reduced to a mere sensation of the retina, but one which destroys all tranquility of surface and contour. Objects are differentiated only by the luminosity that is given them.

I do not repudiate any of my paintings but there isn't one of them that I would not redo differently, if I had it to redo. My destination is always the same but I work out a different route to get there.

The chief function of color should be to serve expression as well as possible.

With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.

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.

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.

Color was not given to us in order that we should imitate Nature. It was given to us so that we can express our emotions.