I talk as I sketch, too, in order to keep their minds off what I'm doing so I'll get the most natural expression I can from them. Also, the talking helps to size up the subject's personality, so I can figure out better how to portray him.

I just wanted to do something important.

I'm not going to be caught around here for any fool celebration. To hell with birthdays!

The remarks about my reaching the age of Social Security and coming to the end of the road, they jolted me. And that was good. Because I sure as hell had no intention of just sitting around for the rest of my life. So I'd whip out the paints and really go to it.

Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.

I keep the pornographic stuff in a bus station locker.

Commonplaces never become tiresome. It is we who become tired when we cease to be curious and appreciative.