Lad. You know how much I like ‘Melancholy, Utopia and the Roman snail’ but this image provides a good counterpoint to a particular point of discussion. I think the underlying structure and imagery of ‘M,U R M’ is great. But I think it has become heavy and over worked. I am honestly in no way trying to reflect your criticsm of me back at you. Its just that when you see this work its so clear. I am aware that different subjects require different handling and would never wish you to apply this colour range of variety of marks to ‘Melancholy…’ But I owuld like to see the lively and light touch and subtle and confident colour range of this painting. Here you seem to know when its enough, you seem to be working with a greater conviction. I tihnk a lot of it might be to do with a clairty existing from the start and a confidence in the foundation (the literal physically drawn ones and the more abstract ‘ideas’ of what you want). I am in danger of losing my point, but the two newest works, in mere formal analysis, are really strong.

This work in particular seems to have a real british beauty about it. It seems to be less contrived (and I never thought the others were) and seems to just be happening. I don’t know if you will like the comparison but there is a lightness of touch not a million miles from Peyton’s work. They are of course more worked up than that, and demand to be, but there is that ‘quality’ in them.

The colour rnage in this work is fantastic. I have a very exact word in my head to describe it, but cant bloody think what that is. That dark blue sits so vividly agasint the varying colour of the ground and backdrop. There is a mystery and intrique which seems to be central to the subject matter. Its actually really beutiful.

On a final note, we still going ahead with our swap deal on the kiss and Icarus I? Hope so, even though I tihnk I am getting a very good deal. Would be keen to do another one at some point this year. Be nice to do a swap a year, if we are both keen.