The Cotman Letters 1834

for Father to criticize I have sent all that you may see my failures. I who have at least drawn twice as much as you to have any, yet I am not quite down only angry.
In comparing yourself with Mr. Geldart you think you fail – you ought not to be surprised at that, he has drawn more than you – has seen more &c. &c. You did not see his failures, he has made some you saw only the best of them and cannot know how many times the figure had been drawn before he is satisfied.
It is fine here so I suppose you will be off to Dulwich to see the pictures. you will have a great treat I am sure. I should like to be with you and the Ladies.
Thursday ---. You will find, John, in my letter to Father Mr. Bulwer’s remarks – as to the way a beginner should draw the figure. The extremities must be drawn first, large and in outline. Attempting the whole figure at once the difficulty is increased a thousand fold. the hand is difficult enough. It is saving time too, get a thorough knowledge of the hands and feet – the body afterwards is comparatively easy. I am now speaking of the Antique or Live Model. He said you never need wait for a subject to draw, only lay your left hand before you and draw it, at leisure moments, you will be thoroughly repaid.
Ann and I had a very pleasant party at Pratts’ on Tuesday evening, small, and agreeable. I was never in a place where I enjoyed myself so much felt the evening so long. I can only guess it was because no time was lost, we were but little time at tea, and very little at supper, plenty of dancing and singing yet home before one O’Clock. We found Aunt Hicks and Mother up chatting away most furiously not at all knowing the time indeed Aunt thought it had been only ten. What do you think they were talking