In fact, whatever exists in the universe, in essence, in appearance, in the imagination, the painter has first in his mind and then in his hands ... it lies in his power to create them . . .

He who never puts his trust in any man will never be deceived.

Marriage is like putting your hand into a bag of snakes in the hope of pulling out an eel.

The good painter must paint two things: a person and the essence of his soul.

Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.

He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.

Every obstacle yields to stern resolve.