The '20s ended in an era of extravagance, sort of like the one we're in now. There was a big crash, but then the country picked itself up again, and we had some great years. Those were the days when American believed in itself. I was happy and proud to be painting it.

Travel is like a tonic to me. It's more than just getting away from the studio for a brief rest. I need it to recharge my batteries.

I know of no painless process for giving birth to a picture idea. When I must produce, I retire to a quiet room with a supply of cheap paper and sharp pencils; my brain knows it's going to take a beating.

If there was sadness in this creative world of mine, it was a pleasant sadness. If there were problems, they were humorous problems.

The story is the first thing and the last thing.

Some folks think I painted Lincoln from life, but I haven't been around that long. Not quite.

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