When the motives of artists are profound, when they are at their work as a result of deep consideration, when they believe in the importance of what they are doing, their work creates a stir in the world.

A weak background is a deadly thing.

Perhaps whatever there is in my work that may be really interesting to others and surely what is interesting to me, is the result of a sometimes successful effort to free myself from any idea that what I produce must be art.

Art is, after all, only a trace – like a footprint which shows that one has walked bravely and in great happiness.

The big painter is one who has something to say. He thus does not paint men, landscape or furniture, but an idea.

All the past up to a moment ago is your legacy. You have a right to it.

To paint is to know how to put nothing on canvas, and have it look like something when you stand back.