Art is nature as seen through a temperament.

The first things to study are form and values. For me, these are the things that are the basics of what is serious in art.

I am never in a hurry to reach details. First and above all I am interested in the large masses and the general character of a picture when these are well established, then I try for subtleties of form and color. I rework the painting constantly and freely, and without any systematic method.

I work on all parts of my painting at once, improving it very gently until I find that the effect is complete.

Heavens, how charming it is! There is now in the sky only the soft vaporous color of pale citron - the last reflection of the sun which plunges into the dark blue of the night, going from green tones to a pale turquoise of an unheard-of fineness and a fluid delicacy quite indescribable.

It is better to be nothing than a follower of other painters. The wise man has said when one follows another one is always behind.

Don't imitate, don't follow the others, or else you will lag behind them.

I am like a child who blows up a bubble of soap. At first the bubble is very small, but it is already spherical. Then the child blows the bubble up very softly, until he is afraid that it will burst.

Be guided by feelings alone. Abandon yourself to your first impression. If you really have been touched, you will convey to others the sincerity of your emotion.

Be guided by feeling alone. We are only simple mortals, subject to error...

...Art itself may be defined as a single minded attempt to render the highest kind of justice to the visible universe, by bringing to light the truth, manifold and one, underlying its every aspect.

Do console your poor friend, who is so troubled to see his paintings so miserable, so sad, next to the radiant nature he has before his eyes!

If my time has come I shall have nothing to complain of. For fifty-tree years I have been painting so I have been able to devote myself entirely to what I loved best in the world. I had never suffered poverty I had good parents and excellent friends I can only thank God.

I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven.

The most important things in a painting are Form and Value. Color comes last - like a friend you welcome.