Some people have been kind enough to call me a fine artist. I've always called myself an illustrator. I'm not sure what the difference is. All I know is that whatever type of work I do, I try to give it my very best. Art has been my life.
The secret to so many artists living so long is that every painting is a new adventure. So, you see, they're always looking ahead to something new and exciting. The secret is not to look back.
Right from the beginning, I always strived to capture everything I saw as completely as possible.
I'm tired, but proud.
I'm not going to be caught around here for any fool celebration. To hell with birthdays!
The '20s ended in an era of extravagance, sort of like the one we're in now. There was a big crash, but then the country picked itself up again, and we had some great years. Those were the days when American believed in itself. I was happy and proud to be painting it.
I'll never have enough time to paint all the pictures I'd like to.
Eisenhower had about the most expressive face I ever painted, I guess. Just like an actor's. Very mobile. When he talked, he used all the facial muscles. And he had a great, wide mouth that I liked. When he smiled, it was just like the sun came out.
It wouldn't be right for me to clown around when I'm painting a president.
My best efforts were some modern things that looked like very lousy Matisses. Thank God I had the sense to realize they were lousy, and leave Paris.
Here in New England, the character is strong and unshakable.
Very interesting for an old duffer like me to try his hand at something new. If I don't do that once in a while, I might just turn into a fossil, you know!
I'm the oldest antique in town.
I had a couple of million dollars' worth of... stock once. And now it's not worth much more than wallpaper. I guess I just wasn't born to be rich.
You must first spend some time getting your model to relax. Then you'll get a natural expression.
I can take a lot of pats on the back. I love it when I get admiring letters from people. And, of course, I'd love it if the critics would notice me, too.
Things aren't much wilder now, I don't think, than they were back then. Of course I just read about all the goings-on now. Ha.
No man with a conscience can just bat out illustrations. He's got to put all his talent and feeling into them!
The remarks about my reaching the age of Social Security and coming to the end of the road, they jolted me. And that was good. Because I sure as hell had no intention of just sitting around for the rest of my life. So I'd whip out the paints and really go to it.
Some folks think I painted Lincoln from life, but I haven't been around that long. Not quite.
