The character of the artist doesn't enter into the nature of the art

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.

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

I would wish my portraits to be of the people, not like them. Not having a look of the sitter, being them.

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

I have a hatred of habit and routine. And what dogs love is just that. They like regular everything, and I don't have regular anything. I have a timetable, but no routine.

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.