It is better to be nothing than a follower of other painters. The wise man has said when one follows another one is always behind.

I always entreat the good Lord to give me my childhood back, that is to say, to grant that I may see nature and render it like a child, without prejudice.

Don't imitate, don't follow the others, or else you will lag behind them.

Never lose the first impression which has moved you.

Listen to the advice of others, but follow only what you understand and can unite in your own feeling. Be firm, be meek, but follow your own convictions. It is better to be nothing than an echo of other painters.

It is better to be nothing than a follower of other painters. The wise man has said when one follows another one is always behind.

If my time has come I shall have nothing to complain of. For fifty-tree years I have been painting; so I have been able to devote myself entirely to what I loved best in the world. I had never suffered poverty; I had good parents and excellent friends; I can only thank God.