John Sloan quotes

Then there is this idea that the world owes you a living. Here is a little thought about that. It isn't particularly logical but it makes my point. You were paid when you were born, with the privilege of living. Death is all that is coming to you. Life came to you when you were born. (John Sloan)
People who take things too literally don't get much of anything from my teaching. By never saying anything I mean, I say a great deal. I never mean anything I say under oath. I never mean exactly what I say. Not even this. You have to read between the words.
John Sloan
It takes a great deal of strong personality to survive the art school training. Hard nuts that the art schools can't crack and devour get through and become artists.
John Sloan
[As a painting teacher] I'm not flirting, playing around. I'm serious about it... If you don't want to be serious about playing [at art], do something of no account. Go into banking. Buy collar buttons at five cents a dozen and sell them for five cents a piece.
John Sloan
I have nothing to teach you that will help you to make a living. [as art teacher, advising his students].
John Sloan
The idea of taking up art as a calling, a profession, is a mirage. Art enriches life. It makes life worth living. But to make a living at it-that idea is incompatible with making art.
John Sloan
[choosing his scenes by:].. night vigils at the back window.
John Sloan
[on w:Diego Rivera:].. the one artist on this continent who is in the class of the old masters.
John Sloan
Consistency is the quality of a stagnant mind.
John Sloan
Every good picture leaves the painter eager to start again, unsatisfied, inspired by the rich mine in which he is working, hoping for more energy, more vitality, more time - condemned to painting for life.
John Sloan
Since we have to speak well of the dead, let's knock them while they're alive. (John Sloan)