There are people who buy pictures because they were difficult to do, and are done. Such pictures are often only a record of pain and dull perseverance. Great works of art should look as though they were made in joy. Real joy is a tremendous activity, dull drudgery is nothing to it.

There is only one reason for art in America, and that is that the people of America learn the means of expressing themselves in their own time, and their own land.

There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom.

There is weakness in pretending to know more than you know or in stating less than you know.

A Curve does not exist in its full power until contrasted with a straight line.

The most vital things in the look of a landscape endure only for a moment. Work should be done from memory; memory of that vital moment.

The pursuit of happiness is a great activity. One must be open and alive. It is the greatest feat man has to accomplish, and spirits must flow. There must be courage. There are no easy ruts to get into which lead to happiness. A man must become interesting to himself and must become actually expressive before he can be happy.