Quotes from Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot

Art is nature as seen through a temperament.

I always entreat the good Lord to give me my childhood back, that is to say, to grant that I may see nature and render it like a child, without prejudice.

Do console your poor friend, who is so troubled to see his paintings so miserable, so sad, next to the radiant nature he has before his eyes!

...Art itself may be defined as a single minded attempt to render the highest kind of justice to the visible universe, by bringing to light the truth, manifold and one, underlying its every aspect.

It is better to be nothing than a follower of other painters. The wise man has said when one follows another one is always behind.

I work on all parts of my painting at once, improving it very gently until I find that the effect is complete.

Be guided by feelings alone. Abandon yourself to your first impression. If you really have been touched, you will convey to others the sincerity of your emotion.

Be guided by feeling alone. We are only simple mortals, subject to error...