Robert Ryan quotes:

I often concentrate on the eyes and lips, they are great indicators of mood and feeling, and I find that I can project character into my portraits by bringing the viewer's attention to these areas.

Choosing a way to die, what's the difference? Choosing a way to live, now that's the hard part.

I sometimes use a lot of light greens and greys when I feel there is sadness in the painting.

I know intuitively when the work is right, no training can teach you this, it is simply a matter of feeling.