"I am working very hard, struggling with a series of different effects, but the sun goes down so fast that I cannot follow it."

"I'm completely blind, everything is black. I can't paint anymore."

"I am only good at two things, and those are gardening and painting."

"I'm beginning to think I'm completely stupid."

"I was flattered by your two letters, as I have the deepest admiration for Japanese art and a great liking for the Japanese people […]. It is with the greatest pleasure that I received your pretty prin…"