Sometimes I imagine colors as if they were living ideas, being of pure reason with which to communicate. Nature is not on the surface, it is deep down.

What I am trying to translate to you is more mysterious, it is entwined in the very roots of being, in the implacable source of sensations.

The Louvre is the book in which we learn to read. We must not, however, be satisfied with retaining the beautiful formulas of our illustrious predecessors. Let us go forth to study beautiful nature, let us try to free our mids from them, let us strive to express ourselves according to our personal temperaments. Time and reflection, moreover, little by little modify our vision, and at last comprehension comes to us.

I have nothing to hide in art. The initial force alone can bring anyone to the end he must attain.

I ask you to pray for me, for once age has overtaken us, we find consolation only in religion.

I am more a friend of art than a producer of painting.

Painting is damned difficult - you always think you've got it, but you haven't.