“Since the age of six I have had the habit of sketching forms of objects. Although from about fifty I have often published my pictorial works, before the seventieth year none is worthy.” YearsAgeFormObjectsHabitSixWorthyFiftyDissatisfactionSketchingPictorial Book:Day and Night in the Four Seasons: Sketches by Hokusai, 1760-1849 Source: Day and Night in the Four Seasons: Sketches by Hokusai, 1760-1849
“Since the age of six, I have had a passion for drawing things. Now that I am 75 years, I have finally learned something of the true quality of birds, animals, insects, fishes, and of the vital nature of grasses and trees. By the time I am 89, I shall have made more progress. By the time I am 90, I shall understand the deeper meaning of things. When I am 100, I shall be truly marvelous; and at 110 each dot and each line will possess a life of its own.” YearsMadeAgePassionGrowthLinesAnimalQualityProgressTreeSixBirdFishesDeeperDrawingGrassMarvelousInsectsDotsDeeper Meaning Author:Hokusai
“If only Heaven will give me just another ten years... Just another five more years, then I could become a real painter.” IfsGivingYearsRealHeavenFiveTenGive MePainter Author:Hokusai
“If heaven gives me ten more years, or an extension of even five years, I shall surely become a true artist.” IfsGivingYearsArtistHeavenFiveTenGive MeFive YearsExtensionsTrue Artists Author:Hokusai