Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure read more

I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream

Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things

Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things

And those who paint 'em truest praise 'em most.

And those who paint 'em truest praise 'em most.

The only good copies are those which exhibit the defects of bad
originals.

The only good copies are those which exhibit the defects of bad
originals.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.

One picture in ten thousand, perhaps, ought to live in the
applause of mankind, from generation to generation until read more

One picture in ten thousand, perhaps, ought to live in the
applause of mankind, from generation to generation until the
colors fade and blacken out of sight or the canvas rot entirely
away.

Lely on animated canvas stole
The sleepy eye, that spoke the melting soul.

Lely on animated canvas stole
The sleepy eye, that spoke the melting soul.

Vain is the hope by colouring to display
The bright effulgence of the noontide ray
Or paint read more

Vain is the hope by colouring to display
The bright effulgence of the noontide ray
Or paint the full-orb'd ruler of the skies
With pencils dipt in dull terrestrial dyes.