James Whistler Quotes

I maintain that two and two would continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.

- James Whistler

To say of a picture, as is often said in its praise, that it shows great and earnest labour, is to say that it is incomplete and unfit for view.

- James Whistler

If other people are going to talk, conversation becomes impossible.

- James Whistler

To say to the painter that Nature is to be taken as she is, is to say to the player that he may sit on the piano.

- James Whistler

The vast majority of English folk cannot and will not consider a picture as a picture, apart from any story which it may be supposed to tell.

- James Whistler

The rare few, who, early in life have rid themselves of the friendship of the many.

- James Whistler

I can't tell you if genius is hereditary, because heaven has granted me no offspring.

- James Whistler

It takes a long time for a man to look like his portrait.

- James Whistler

Work alone will efface the footsteps of work.

- James Whistler

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.

- James Whistler

I am not arguing with you - I am telling you.

- James Whistler

You should not say it is not good. You should say you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.

- James Whistler

You shouldn't say it is not good. You should say, you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.

- James Whistler

An artist's career always begins tomorrow.

- James Whistler