I have painted my family so frequently because they are the one who really affect me the most. Gerhard Richter More Quotes by Gerhard Richter More Quotes From Gerhard Richter When I begin, theoretically and practically I can smear anything I want on the canvas. Then there's a condition I have to react to, by changing it or destroying it. Gerhard Richter reactcanvasi-canwant I don't think I can do this - painting under observation. It's the worst thing there is, worse than being in the hospital. Gerhard Richter hospitalthinkpaintingi-can People won't stop painting, just as they won't stop making music or dancing. This is a facility we have. Children don't stop doing it or having it. On the other hand, it seems we don't need painting anymore. Culture is more interested in entertaining people. Gerhard Richter musicculturechildrenpeople We've lost these qualities, these abilities to do something by hand. Some illustrators have it still, but it's just not art. We have photography. We have cameras and computers that do it better and faster. Gerhard Richter computersbetterlostart A father draws boundaries and calls a halt, whenever necessary. As I didn't have that, I was able to stay childishly naive that much longer - so I did what I liked, because there was nobody stopping me, even when I got it wrong. Gerhard Richter staynobodymefather I don't believe in God. Gerhard Richter godbelieve I believe in painting and I believe in eating too. What can we do? We have to eat, we have to paint, we have to live. Of course, there are different ways to survive. But it's my best option. Gerhard Richter bestpaintingeatingbelieve Chance determines our lives in important ways. Gerhard Richter ourour-liveschanceimportant I have always been structured. What has changed is the proportions. Now it is eight hours of paperwork and one of painting. Gerhard Richter nowalwayspaintingchanged Now that we do not have priests and philosophers any more, artists are the most important people in the world. Gerhard Richter moreimportantpeopleworld Good art in general aspires to something, as a good painting aspires to something, almost spiritual or holy. Gerhard Richter goodpaintingspiritualart I can't paint as well as Vermeer. Gerhard Richter wellpaint I do see myself as the heir to a vast, great, rich culture of painting - of art in general - which we have lost, but which places obligations on us. Gerhard Richter greatmyselfcultureart
