Copying nature — what is that supposed to mean? Follow the masters! But why should one follow them? The only reason they are masters is that they did… - Paul Gauguin

I am a child. I'm an independent. They can not mock me for two things they are not. They blame me, especially your family. They do not know what is in the artist's nature. Let me live like this for some time. I continue along my path. I have a goal. I will prove to you that I am right. I am a great artist, I know that. That's why I endure so much suffering to follow my calling. Otherwise I would feel like a villain. There will come a day when our children can face anyone... with their father's name to protect and honor.

freely and madly; you will make progress.. .Above all, don't sweat over a painting; a great sentiment can be rendered immediately..

..so before I died I wanted to paint a large canvas that I had worked out in my head, and all month long I worked [on Tahiti] day and night at fever pitch.. .It's all done without a model.