I paint people, not because of what they are like, not exactly in spite of what they are like, but how they happen to be.

The process of creation becomes necessary to the painter perhaps more than is the picture. The process in fact is habit-forming

The painter makes real to others his innermost feelings about all that he cares for. A secret becomes known to everyone who views the picture through the intensity with which it is felt.

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

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

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.

I could never put anything into a picture that wasn't actually there in front of me. That would be a pointless lie, a mere bit of artfulness.