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.

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

I've always wanted to create drama in my pictures, which is why I paint people. It's people who have brought drama to pictures from the beginning. The simplest human gestures tell stories.

I have a timetable, but no routine.

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.

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

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