For those who feel it, nothing makes the soul so religious and pure as the endeavor to create something perfect; for God is perfection, and whoever strives after it, is striving after something divine. True painting is only the image of the perfection of God, a shadow of the pencil with which he paints, a melody, a striving after harmony.

It is necessary to keep one's compass in one's eyes and not in the hand, for the hands execute, but the eye judges.

I couldn't give you something mediocre even if that's all you asked for.

An artist does his most difficult work when he steps back from the blank canvas and thinks about what he is going to create.

Many believe - and I believe - that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.

Beauty depends on purpose. It is in the elements best suited to their purpose or aim that beauty shines forth most strongly.

If people knew how hard I worked at my art, they would not consider me a genius.