Gustav Klimt

My art is a rebellion against the ordinary.

I paint with my heart, not just my hands.

The greatest art is that which stirs the soul.

I am an observer of life, and I try to capture its essence.

Art is a language that everyone can understand.

I paint women because they are the most beautiful creatures.

Gold is a symbol of divinity and eternity.

I don't believe in the separation of art and life.

My greatest fear is to stop painting.

Art is a mirror held up to nature.

I am not a prophet; I am an artist.

I can paint and draw. I believe this myself and a few other people say that they believe this too. But I’m not certain of whether it’s true.

There is no self-portrait of me. I am not interested in myself as a 'subject for painting,' but in others, particularly women.

True art is where the artist disappears.

I have the gift of neither the spoken nor the written word, especially if I have to say something about myself or my work.

There is nothing that special to see when looking at me.

Today I want to start working again in earnest – I'm looking forward to it because doing nothing does become rather boring after a while.

Even when I have to write a simple letter I'm scared stiff, as if faced with looming seasickness.

After tea it's back to painting - a large poplar at dusk with a gathering storm. From time to time instead of this evening painting session I go bowling in one of the neighbouring villages, but not very often.