I didn't expect to recover from my second operation but since I did, I consider that I'm living on borrowed time. Every day that dawns is a gift to me and I take it in that way. I accept it gratefully without looking beyond it. I completely forget my physical suffering and all the unpleasantness of my present condition and I think only of the joy of seeing the sun rise once more and of being able to work a little bit, even under difficult conditions.

Seeing is in itself a creative act which requires effort.

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.

A young painter who cannot liberate himself from the influence of past generations is digging his own grave.

I don't know whether I believe in God or not. I think, really, I'm some sort of Buddhist. But the essential thing is to put oneself in a frame of mind which is close to that of prayer.

You want to paint? First of all you must cut off your tongue because your decision takes away from you the right to express yourself with anything but your brush.

I wouldn't mind turning into a vermilion goldfish.