DRAWING. 343 



Still, however, in common language, the name of 

 drawings is given to all works in water-colours, 

 whether in outline only, in black and white, or in 

 colours ; and the term paintings to those in oil. 



Painting in oil is capable of the greatest degree 

 of perfection, but is also the most difficult, and is 

 seldom attempted but by professional artists: 

 whereas, the use of water-colours is comparatively 

 easier, and better adapted for common use. 



The first step in the arts is to learn to draw the 

 outlines of objects: next to express the light and 

 shadow: and, lastly, to add the colour. 



But before we proceed, it will be necessary to 

 describe the implements and colours made use of, 



Implements for Drawing. 



Drawing-boards are for fixing the paper upon, so 

 that it may not shift, and also for straining it, to 

 prevent the colours, when laid wet upon the paper, 

 from causing it to swell up, so as to be uneven. 

 The simplest sort is made of a deal board framed 

 square, with a strong piece across each end, to 

 prevent warping. Upon this the paper may be 

 fixed down with pins, wafers, or sealing-wax, or it 

 may be strained with paste or glue, as follows : 

 having wetted the paper well with a sponge, lay it 

 upon the board, and turning up the edges about 

 half an inch, run a little good paste or glue all round 

 on the under side, and press the paper down upon 

 the board with a cloth; then set it by to dry : the 

 paper, which had expanded and blistered up much 

 when wet, will contract in drying, while the edges, 

 being fixed immoveably, will strain quite flat and 

 tight, and will be much better for drawing upon 

 than when loose. 



z 4 



