Mary Erle's Commonplace Book

Mary’s Commentary: This was one of the first columns I wrote in my career. It was right after I wrote a column about Mrs. Townley Tompkins’ ball. The editor told me there was a big wedding occurring this weekend and after I asked Alison about it she told me I should go with her.  It got the attention of the editor and he paid me two guineas and I was very excited to see my career in journalism finally pick up. I  accompanied Alison and her aunt because she knew the bride's mother. The wedding was extremely extravagant. Both families came from wealthy backgrounds and spared…

Mary’s Commentary: I held onto this Postcard after forgetting I had kept this on my dressing table. After burning Vincent’s letters I tried to forget about his influence and value in my life. As I was rearranging my room for a fresh new start I found this postcard. It was the first one he ever sent me. I only kept it because it reminded me of a better time. Before Alison passed, Before Vincent returned with his fiance, and before my life was flipped upside down. It was a reminder of my struggle and achievements. It was a reminder of those feelings I once had for a man who is regretting…

Mary’s Commentary: This is a painting we had to replicate in the Academy. It was my favorite artwork for more reasons than one. It seems simple, but the intricacy of the oil painting and the color variance stuck out to me as beautiful and elegant. All hues work well together and the realisticness of the skin tones and grass tones make this a difficult task to paint but also well worth it in the end. We painted this on our second week in the Academy. I sat down next to two older gentlemen who, like me, were aspiring to become artists. They were both married and I would often listen in on…