The Artist Begins With A Vision -

Composition, The Aim Of Which Is Expression, Alters Itself According To The Surface To Be Covered. If I Take A Sheet Of Paper Of Given Dimensions, I Will Jot Down A Drawing Which Will Have A Necessary Relation To Its Format.

For My Part I Have Never Avoided The Influence Of Others. I Would Have Considered It Cowardice And A Lack Of Sincerity Toward Myself.

Each Work Of Art Is A Collection Of Signs Invented During The Picture's Execution To Suit The Needs Of Their Position. Taken Out Of The Composition For Which They Were Created, These Signs Have No Further Use.

I'm Growing Old, I Delight In The Past.

From The First Shock Of The Contemplation Of A Face Depends The Principal Sensation Which Guides Me Throughout The Entire Execution Of A Portrait.