I think words come between the spectator and the picture.

I find old copies of National Gallery catalogues, which are written in the dryest possible prose, infinitely soothing.

Eventually, a collection ceases to be a personal indulgence and assumes its own identity. In fact, it becomes a thing in its own right - rather like Frankenstein's monster.

When I finish a painting, it usually looks as surprising to me as to anyone else.

I am happy for people to talk about my pictures, but I wish devoutly that I was not expected to talk about them myself.

I think words come between the spectator and the picture.

I'm vulnerable to criticism. Any artist is, because you work alone in your studio and, until recently, critics were the only way you'd get any feedback.