Autograph Letter Signed ('W Russell Flint') to L. Carpenter of Leigh-on-Sea, discussing his artistic development.
4to, 2 pp. Twenty-three lines of text, clear and complete. In fair condition, creased and lightly-worn. With stamped envelope addressed by Flint. In reply to a question from Carpenter ('I very, very freqently receive letters such as yours') Flint writes: 'Dont worry about not receiving art instruction in painting because I never had a lesson in my life.' He believes he inherited the skill he 'started with', but constant study of the works of masters & constant practice have brought me (with the aid of a kindly Providence) to my present position'. Carpenter use the best materials ('it is discouraging to work with second-rate stuff') and study 'all the good pictures' he can ('Reproductions are not nearly so helpful') '& puzzle out the artists' methods for yourself. But after all it is what is in [last word underlined twice] you that counts!' The discipline of sculpture is 'outside my field', but 'a good deal of technical instruction is essential'.