What do I ask of a painting? I ask it to astonish, disturb, seduce, convince.

Full, saturated colours have an emotional significance I want to avoid.

Losing as much money as I can get hold of is an instant solution to my economic problems.

It is the only point of getting up every morning: to paint, to make something good, to make something even better than before, not to give up, to compete, to be ambitious.

And, since the model he faithfully copies is not going to be hung up next to the picture, since the picture is going to be there on its own, it is of no interest whether it is an accurate copy of the model.

The painter must give a completely free rein to any feeling or sensations he may have and reject nothing to which he is naturally drawn.

A painter's tastes must grow out of what so obsesses him in life that he never has to ask himself what it is suitable for him to do in art.