Clergyman's

He ought to have 'these powerful organs of expression' — colour and chiaroscuro — entirely at his command, that he may use them in every possible form, as well as that he may do with the most perfect freedom; therefore, whether he wishes to make the subject of a joyous, solemn, or meditative character, by flinging over it the cheerful aspect which the sun bestows, by a proper disposition of shade, or by the appearances that beautify its arising or its setting, a true ""General Effect"" should never be lost sight of.
- John Constable

It is always my endeavour however in making a picture that it should be without a companion in the world. At least such should be a painters ambition.
- John Constable

On the death of these great men Rembrandt, Ruysdael and Cum Landscape rapidly declined; and during almost the whole of the succeeding century, little was produced.. .From this degraded and fallen state it is delightful to say that landscape painting revived in our own country , in all its purity, simplicity, and grandeur, in the works of Wilson, Gainsborough, Cozens, and Girtin.
- John Constable

It is much to my advantage that several of my pictures should be seen together, as it displays to advantage their varieties of conception and also of execution, and what they gain by the mellowing hand of time which should never be forced or anticipated. Thus my pictures when first coming forth have a comparative harshness which at the time acts to my disadvantage.
- John Constable