From a series of interviews with Marco Livingstone (April 22 - May 7, 1980 and July 6 - 7, 1980) quoted in Livingstone's David Hockney (1981), p. 207
1980s
“Begin by drawing and painting like the old masters. After that do as you see fit - you will always be respected.”
Source: Quotes of Salvador Dali, 1961 - 1970, Diary of a Genius (1964), p. 82
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Salvador Dalí 117
Spanish artist 1904–1989Related quotes

translation from Dutch, Fons Heijnsbroek, 2018
version in original Dutch / citaat van J. H. Weissenbruch, in het Nederlands: Ik herinner me, dat ik als jongen in onze museums voor de schilderijen van de oude meesters verstomd stond, zoals ze de natuur tot je lieten spreken. Als ik van iemand geleerd heb de natuur te zien dan is het van onze oude meesters. Maar het meest van de natuur-zelve.
in an interview with J.H. Rössing, at the end of his life, c. 1902; as cited in Eind goed Al goed, de carriere van J.H. Weissenbruch https://www.artsalonholland.nl/grote-meesters-kunstgeschiedenis/johan-hendrik-weissenbruch-haagse-school, by Sander Kletter

“Do not say, "Draw the curtain that I may see the painting." The curtain is the painting.”
The Saviors of God (1923)
Context: "I do not know whether behind appearances there lives and moves a secret essence superior to me. Nor do I ask; I do not care. I create phenomena in swarms, and paint with a full palette a gigantic and gaudy curtain before the abyss. Do not say, "Draw the curtain that I may see the painting." The curtain is the painting.

Source: 1961 - 1980, transcript of a public forum at Boston university', conducted by Joseph Ablow 1966, pp. 68/69

“I do not contradict him. But I reject slavery because I see no men fit to be masters.”
Equality (1943)
Context: I don't deserve a share in governing a hen-roost, much less a nation. Nor do most people — all the people who believe advertisements, and think in catchwords and spread rumors. The real reason for democracy is just the reverse. Mankind is so fallen that no man can be trusted with unchecked power over his fellows. Aristotle said that some people were only fit to be slaves. I do not contradict him. But I reject slavery because I see no men fit to be masters.

Source: undated quotes, Renoir – his life and work, 1975, p. 64 : Renoir's remark to Vollard referring to the Impressionist artists's Monet, Sisley and Pissarro.