Howard Pyle, a chronicle by Charles D. Abbott, with an introduction by N. C. Wyeth and many illustrations from Howard Pyle's works.

HOWARD PYLE: A CHRONICLE
"I want to write to you about a matter that has occupied
my mind during the past several months.
"The year that has passed has convinced me that I really
am of use to the younger artists through the advice and
criticism which I give them, for it has been my happy lot
to establish several young lives, and I think it likely that
some of my pupils will reach unusual distinction in their
profession. I am speaking very intimately to you when
I say that I feel that this is due, in some measure, to my
instruction-I am sure that the ideals with which I have
inspired them are both broad and large. It has occurred
to me that I might broaden my work by extending it to
New York, and I want to ask you as a special favor, to
tell me very frankly what you think of such an idea.
"In general, my thought is, that I should come on every
two weeks upon Saturday, and should deliver lectures upon
composition as I do here in Wilmington, and that I should
take the opportunity of criticizing and of advising with
young artists concerning their pictures. It occurred to me
that I might give an hour to such criticism and an hour to
a composition lecture-the one, say from four to five, and
the other from five to six. I should like to make such
lectures free to all who would care to attend, and to give
my services without charge, though I think that such a
class should pay my traveling expenses, which would amount
to not more than fifteen dollars for each trip from here
to New York.
"If such a plan is worth while, and if it could be put into
operation, I would like it to be conducted under the auspices
of the Art Students' League. I wish you would consider
this matter, and give me your mature thoughts upon it.
[ 218 ]