I awoke this morning with a most unhappy and discouraged feeling which seemed to take entire possession of me in spite of all efforts to resist it. I feel as though some great misfortune were impending and I cannot help dwelling upon the future with doubt and apprehension. After breakfast I walked up to Putnams to see about taking me two little pictures out of their window where they have been all summer but Haven thought I had better leave them and seemed to think he would be likely to sell them. From there I went to the Art Museum and spent an hour looking at John Taylor Johnstons collection of pictures. Van Marcks pictures are fine in color usually. Churchs Twilight looked brassy and forced. The Turner looked extravagant today and KoekKoek's landscape was bad in every particular. How such work can command respect is a mystery. There were to or three pictures of Escosura in the Museum, the Knowle Castle the best of them. The one in Johnston's collection "Quarrel between a cat & dog" and some stupid people looking on is simply absurd. I think I am getting pretty tired of much of the French Art. Came to my studio and tried to compose a picture and had my floor strewn with sketches & drawings when Hubbard came and interrupted me. However when he went I got to work and before 4 o'clock had drawn in what I think promises an interesting composition on a canvas 24x42. I cam going to paint a light toned mellow picture, mostly yellows & greys and my interest is aroused so that I hope I will feel better when I get thoroughly to work. On my way home today I met Staigg and his wife and this evening called on them at the Sturtevant House and talked over the protest of the Committee of Selection. He agrees to it and authorises me to sign his name to it. Whittredge has a good letter in the Post this evening on the Awards which strikes me as very sensible.
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