I leave town Saturday next, and shall not see you till Saturday the 6th July, so I write a line to say that you will set to work by yourself; the maid will light you a fire and give you the key of the studio.
I have written direct to Gatwell to order the canvas, or it would not have been ready in time. You are to paint the group full size. Trace it to get it quite accurate. Put the head of the centre figure, the woman in yellow, about four inches or four and a half inches from the top of the canvas; that will give you all the rest. Leave out the little child sitting. Go slap at the colour, vigorously but NOT quick. The slower you work, if you work with energy, the sooner you get through, and the better the result.
I hope you are enjoying yourself.
PORTRAIT OF MRS. HANSON WALKER
By permission of Mr. Hanson Walker[ToList]
Although I certainly think it is a pity to exhibit too soon, nevertheless I think that your particular situation just now does justify you in doing so, as long as you confine yourself to the Suffolk Street Gallery. I sincerely hope you may sell your pictures.
With kind regards to Mrs. Nan and love to my god-child, I am, in haste, yours always,
F.L.
I can't quite make out the price as written in your note, so to avoid mistakes I send blank cheque, which pray fill in yourself.