Dear Theo,
It is now February 18 and I have not heard anything from you
this month.
As you can imagine, I am very hard pressed for money. But he wants them small and only in
watercolour, and I do not always succeed in that. But at least
the first sheep has crossed the bridge. I work as much as I
can, but don't forget that I shall break down if I have too
many cares and anxieties.
So write by return mail, send me some money if you can, and
believe me, with a handshake,
Yours sincerely, Vincent
This week I made three other studies beside the one Mr.
Tersteeg bought; the technique is not perfect yet, but, thank
God, the drawing is better.
I am very glad that I feel my drawing is improving, it gives
me courage. Drawing is the principal thing, whatever they may
say, and it is the most difficult too. It is for this reason
that I venture to say I shall make something saleable within a
year. For the one Mr. Tersteeg bought does not count - I shall
make them much better when I have made more progress in
drawing, as then it will come more easily to me.
Adieu, boy, do write soon!
At this time, Vincent was 28 year oldSource: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written 18 February 1882 in The Hague. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number 176. URL: https://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/11/176.htm.
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