The Cotman Letters 1804-1833

80
Typed
Addressed to Mr.Cotman Norwich (No postmark).
pen notes
[July 1. 182[4]5] "Dutch boats off Yarmouth."
typed
Dear sir,
I have received the Picture safely and am much pleased with it, the composition is excellent, the distances are beautifully toned and well preserved, while the vessels in the foreground are in colour and handling masterly. I had expected a different sky; you proposed giving, about the centre of the Picture, rays of light from the sunwhich was just hid by passing clouds, these were to illume the Picture, and would have given a natural and fine effect, certainly a more brilliant one than the present. It would seem that, giving up your first intention, you have been undecided as to the sky, and this d[i]eviation has given you considerable trouble, still the sky harmonizes with the foreground, and is much better than when seem nearer: the objects being small, we are drawn close to the Picture, and then the clouds appear broken, little, trifling, anything but broad and grand, very like some of the extravagance of Turner. by the way I think you are very partial to Turner, this may be well to a certain extent, and it may be with Cuyp and Claud, from each of whom whatever they may possess take it; but do not copy them, you have sufficient excellence to be as original as either of them; knowing what you know, and possessing an eye so correct in the discernment of colour, you have only to look at nature in her finest hours, and taking the most favoured scenes, produce Pictures equal to any of them. As I told you in the commencement of this, I am delighted with the Picture, you will therefore take these remarks as fair criticism; and accept the advice with the same kindness, with which they are given.
I was sorry to find you labouring under such depression of