I have often, as an exercise and as a sustenance, painted before an object down to the smallest accidents of its visual appearance; but the day left me sad and with an unsatiated thirst. The next day I let the other source run, that of imagination, through the recollection of the forms and I was then reassured and appeased.

While I recognize the necessity for a basis of observed reality... true art lies in a reality that is felt.

It is precisely from the regret left by the imperfect work that the next one can be born.

The value of art lies in its power to increase our moral force or establish its heightening influence.

I have often, as an exercise and as a sustenance, painted before an object down to the smallest accidents of its visual appearance; but the day left me sad and with an unsatiated thirst. The next day I let the other source run, that of imagination, through the recollection of the forms and I was then reassured and appeased.

I have placed there a little door opening on to the mysterious. I have made stories.

True art lies in a reality that is felt.