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 only secret I can claim to have is concentration, and that's something that can't be taught.

I don't want any colour to be noticeable... I don't want it to operate in the modernist sense as colour, something independent... Full, saturated colours have an emotional significance I want to avoid.

The model should only serve the very private function for the painter of providing the starting point for his excitement

Everything is autobiographical and everything is a portrait.

The aura given out by a person or object is as much a part of them as their flesh.

As far as I am concerned the paint is the person. I want it to work for me just as flesh does