The aura given out by a person or object is as much a part of them as their flesh.
I am only interested in painting the actual person, in doing a painting of them, not in using them to some ulterior end of art. For me, to use someone doing something not native to them would be wrong.
Full, saturated colours have an emotional significance I want to avoid.
The painter must give a completely free rein to any feeling or sensations he may have and reject nothing to which he is naturally drawn.
I would wish my portraits to be of the people, not like them. Not having a look of the sitter, being them.
You ask why I'm fascinated by the human figure? As a human animal, I am interested in some of my fellow animals: in their minds and bodies.