Edouard Manet

You would hardly believe how difficult it is to place a figure alone on a canvas, and to concentrate all the interest on this single and universal figure and still keep it living and real.

Color is a matter of taste and of sensitivity.

There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.

No one can be a painter unless he cares for painting above all else.

Black is not a color.

It is not enough to know your craft – you have to have feeling. Science is all very well, but for us imagination is worth far more.

Insults are pouring down on me as thick as hail.

The attacks of which I have been the object have broken the spring of life in me… People don’t realize what it feels like to be constantly insulted.

There is only one true thing: instantly paint what you see. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it. When you haven’t, you begin again. All the rest is humbug.

I need to work to feel well.

This woman’s work is exceptional. Too bad she’s not a man.

I would kiss you, had I the courage.