"I'm not performing miracles, I'm using up and wasting a lot of paint…"

"I am following Nature without being able to grasp her..."

"These palm trees [in Bordighera, Italy] are driving me crazy; and also the motifs are extremely difficult to render, to put down on canvas; everywhere is so lush."

"I am in despair. I am working like a madman, but I am not making any progress."

"I am very much upset. I am working very hard, but I am not satisfied with anything."