Diary extracts for Sep to October 1943
8th Sep 1943:
Italy has surrendered unconditionally (actually on the 3rd but not made public on the day)
16th Sep 1943:
Caroline furious because she can’t ride a tricycle!
23rd Sep 1943:
Mavis suggested that the sea in the long convoy picture ought to have more surface. So I worked all day at it , and it looked frightful. We both looked at it and said “How awful!” and so I took a rag and wiped it all off! Most disheartening.
24th Sep 1943:
Caroline feeding herself with a spoon, not bad, but is furious if we try to help her.
7th Oct 1943:
Worked seven hours on Convoy picture (30x50).
8th Oct 1943:
Russians have crossed the Dneiper in 3 places and announce an offensive on the whole front!
16th Oct 1943:
Started painting of brandy glass (containing ginger wine) and four apples (Finished on the 18th)
22nd Oct 1943:
Private View of the NEAC
By far the best picture was “The Dream” by Evelyn Dunbar
27th Oct 1943:
27 October
Painted small picture of red engine in a country station for Paul Bielby for Christmas. A great success with Crispin who says it is the best painting I have done. This gives rise to an idea. Throughout the winter it would be a good corrective to paint a number of small paintings for children, and suggest a show at the Redfern Gallery.
5 November
Painting small picture. The Gentle Okapi.
7 November
Painting ‘Lullaby my Sweet Little Baby’ and finished ‘Teddybear at the Dinner Table’.