We are in the same stage of advancement in art.
"I have painted five pieces since I have been here, two landscapes and three portraits; one of myself, one a copy from Mr.West's copy from Vandyke, and the other a portrait of Mr.Leslie, who is also taking mine....

I called a day or two since on Sir William Beechy, an artist of great eminence, to see his paintings.

They are beautiful beyond anything I ever imagined.

His principal excellence is in coloring, which, to the many, is the most attractive part of art.

Sir William is considered the best colorist now living.
"You may be apt to ask, 'If Sir William is so great and even the best, what is Mr.West's great excellence ?' Mr.West is a bad colorist in general, but he excels in the grandeur of his thought.