The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?

The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?

The picture that approaches sculpture nearest
Is the best picture.

The picture that approaches sculpture nearest
Is the best picture.

He that seeks popularity in art closes the door on his own
genius: as he must needs paint for read more

He that seeks popularity in art closes the door on his own
genius: as he must needs paint for other minds, and not for his
own.

Painting with all its technicalities, difficulties, and peculiar
ends, is nothing but a noble and expressive language, invaluable
read more

Painting with all its technicalities, difficulties, and peculiar
ends, is nothing but a noble and expressive language, invaluable
as the vehicle of thought, but by itself nothing.

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.

He best can paint them who shall feel them most.

Well, something must be done for May,
The time is drawing nigh--
To figure in the Catalogue,
read more

Well, something must be done for May,
The time is drawing nigh--
To figure in the Catalogue,
And woo the public eye.
Something I must invent and paint;
But oh my wit is not
Like one of those kind substantives
That answer Who and What?

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.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.

Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend.