I showed it to Mr.Runciman.He contemplated it for a moment in silence, and then, turning, asked me if I had copied.

I told him how I had patched it up; but he said that that was not copying, and although he was not satisfied with the picture, he said there was something in it that would make him totally change the method he had hitherto pursued with me.

He then asked Mary for some gray paper, which was produced; then inquired if I had a colour-box; I produced the one you gave me, and he then told me he should begin with a few of the simplest colours, in order to teach me better the effects of light and shade.

He should then proceed to teach me water-colour painting, but the latter only as a basis for oil; this last, however, to use his own words, all in due time....

Oh, if I could paint well before we went to Dover! I should have such sea-pieces...." In March 1834, Runciman was encouraging him in his oil-painting; but a year later he wrote to his father: "I cannot bear to paint in oil, C.Fielding's tints alone for me! The other costs me double toil, And wants some fifty coats to be Splashed on each spot successively.
Faugh, wie es stinckt! I can't bring out, With all, a picture fit to see.
My bladders burst; my oils are out-- And then, what's all the work about ?" After a few lessons he could rival Mary when they went for their summer excursion.