16 Quotes by Aubrey Beardsley

Things shape themselves before my eyes just as a I draw them.

All humanity inspires me. Every passer-by is my unconscious sitter; and as strange as it may seem, I really draw folk as I see them. Surely it is not my fault that they fall into certain lines and angles.

I have one aim—the grotesque. If I am not grotesque I am nothing.

If I am not grotesque, I am nothing.

I have one aim – the grotesque. If I am not grotesque I am nothing.

What is a portrait good for, unless it shows just how the subject was seen by the painter? In the old days before photography came in a sitter had a perfect right to say to the artist: “Paint me just as I am.” Now if he wishes absolute fidelity he can go to the photographer and get it.

How few of our young English impressionists knew the difference between a palette and a picture! However, I believe that Walter Sickert did – sly dog!