It seems to me that before a man tries to express anything to the world he must recognize in himself an individual, a new one, very distinct from others.

The true artist regards his work as a means of talking with men [and women], of saying his say to himself and to others. It is not a question of pay.

The real artist's work is a surprise to himself.

I am always sorry for the Puritan, for he guided his life against desire and against nature. He found what he thought was comfort, for he believed the spirit's safety was in negation, but he has never given the world one minute's joy or produced one symbol of the beautiful order of nature. He sought peace in bondage and his spirit became a prisoner.

Do whatever you do intensely. The artist is the man who leaves the crowd and goes pioneering. With him there is an idea which is his life.

Painting should never look as if it were done with difficulty, however difficult it may actually have been.

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