At Fifty, That Is In 1880, I

The Subject Should Be Observed More For Shape And Color Than For Drawing... Precise Drawing Is Dry And Hampers The Impression Of The Whole, It Destroys All Sensations.

Work At The Same Time On Sky, Water, Branches, Ground, Keeping Everything Going On An Equal Basis... Don't Be Afraid Of Putting On Colour... Paint Generously And Unhesitatingly, For It Is Best Not To Lose The First Impression.

All The Sorrow, All The Bitterness, All The Sadness, I Forget Them And Ignore Them In The Joy Of Working.

Watercolour Is Not Especially Difficult, But I Must Warn You To Steer Clear Of Those Pretty English Watercolourists, So Skilful And Alas So Weak, And So Often Too Truthful.

It Is The Brushwork Of The Right Value And Color Which Should Produce The Drawing.