Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), Dutch, Post-Impressionist painter, frequently wrote about his art in his letters to friends and family.

Mark Rothko, Russian-born American painter, best known for his extensive series of large-scale color field paintings, was also a deeply intellectual artist. His writings and lectures on art and painting are poignant, profound, sometimes enigmatic.

Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), an American abstract expressionist, known for painting his large abstract works by dripping, splattering, and throwing paint onto canvas.

Artist's response to a questionnaire in Arts and Architecture, 1944
Craftsmanship is essential to the artist. He needs it just as he needs brushes, pigments, and a surface to paint on.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), born in Spain, known as the inventor of Cubism, spoke at length about the aesthetics, emotion, and politics of art. His lengthy conversations reveal his charisma, humor and passion.lo Picasso (1881-1973), born in Spain, known as the inventor of Cubism, spoke at length about the aesthetics, emotion, and politics of art. His lengthy conversations reveal his charisma, humor and passion.