Painting is the only universal language. All nature is creation's picture book. Painting alone can describe every thing which can be seen, and suggest every emotion which can be felt. Art reaches back into the babyhood of time, and is man's only lasting monument.

The mission of art is to represent nature not to imitate her.

You can always draw as well as you know how to. I flatter myself that I feel more than I express on canvas; but I know that is not so.

I don't like persuaded sitters. I never could paint a cat if the cat had any scruples, religious, superstitious, or otherwise, about sitting.

How are things visible? Can you see an egg against a white background? Not by drawing a line around it can you make it evident.

You can't do a fine thing without having seen fine examples.

Inspiration is nothing without work.