IIII

technique; they were carved out of thin boards, the kind

boys use for jigsaw work, – that’s why

it has always been arduous for me to achieve good prints out of "small

stook" – the "large" stook is very easy to

print, now that I can carve out all the superfluous

wood. When I send 3 prints, it is in the hope, that

You will accept one of them as an instalment on what

I owe You, – and the other two might perhaps

be included in "the 2 series"; – (however, if the woodcut

is improved I will send new ones). I prefer

the print that is printed on the thin semi-clear

paper, – but it should be mounted on a grey board.

"Spring Night and Sallow" I agree with You is

not a very good woodcut, – I am sending 4

prints, but they are all as poor, You might well

think, – it is a motif that should be painted – not quite suitable

for woodcut; – one of the prints is printed without the

final block – Engel thought it was best like this, – it is

admittedly quite different than the others, and if You wish

to keep it and one of the others as well, it would be

my pleasure. "The Farmer" I have unfortunately destroyed – luckily

I had a trial proofs – which is being sent – however it is not

very good – will attempt one day to paint the farmer, who is out

in the grey light of a summer night "sniffing the weather". Well this was

a rushed letter. – Spring is late in arriving here, the snow

still lies around the houses with only patches that grow by the day.

The children are in good health and run around outdoors all day long. And I must

plough the regulated land into arable fields. With warmest wishes

from Engel and me to You and Your family – Your devoted Astrup

Side