52 
KERAMIC STUDIO 
CLASS ROOM— FLOWER PAINTING 
First Prize, Anne Seymour Mtindy 
There is no better way to learn to paint flowers than 
to study the flowers themselves, considering first their 
general lines, and in the following order: Masses of light 
and dark, common or characteristic detail, to what form 
in china each flower is adapted and lastly the color scheme. 
No matter how beautiful the harmony of color, if the 
lines and spotting are bad, the flower form on a shape 
which distorts it, and the violet stems have blackberry 
"prickers," the design has not been carefully thought out, 
and the result will not bear criticism as a work of art, and 
criticism is the motor power of conscientious workers. 
Don't Paint First. 
Don't draw, but study. Many people have a mis- 
taken idea that "sketching" is the prime factor in flower 
painting. Know the flower first in every detail, just how 
many petals, what possible colors, and whether the same 
color inside and out; how the centers look, what color the 
stamens are when young or old; how the flower joins the 
stem; whether the stem is curved or upright, smooth or 
fuzzy; whether the thorns are long, short or broad, or 
there are none at all; then the foliage; whether the leaves 
are separate or in clusters, the characteristic color, light 
or dark; the veins, whether running from the base of the 
leaf or from the mid-rib. When all these little points are 
mastered and the flower, with its surroundings, may be 
seen in imagination, something may be done in flower paint- 
ing and not before. 
Study Out of Doors. 
It is true, as has been said before that more good work 
may be done in a hammock in summer time studying the 
flowers and vines and thinking about them till they be- 
come a lasting possession, than many months of work in 
winter with other people's studies, no matter how accurate 
the illustrations. 
Preserve Flowers. 
Flowers may be kept quite life like by sifting dry sand 
around them, being careful to keep the flowers and foliage 
in natural position, and when immersed in it, leave them 
until thoroughly dried out. 
Take them out carefully and hang head downward 
by cord or tape from hooks under the shelves of a cabinet 
arranged for the purpose. 
Flowers may also be pressed and dried, and kept after 
mounting in book form, and while they may lose their 
color, if properly labeled, and a helpful memorandum at- 
tached to the branch of each specimen, it will materially 
assist, when study from the fresh flowers or fruit is out of 
the question. 
It is nice to think about it early and begin with the 
very first flowers which come with the approach of Spring 
and see how many you may add to your collection ! 
Painting Flowers. 
Whatever may be the method in charcoal or water- 
colors, the writer believes that in china the flower should 
be so in mind and idealized, that all studies should be 
banished and the attempt, at least, made to paint the 
flower from memory. 
There is a freedom, a swing, a snap, to designs worked 
out from memory which could never come from the ham- 
pered thoughts confined to studies, or even to the real 
flowers. 
So, know the flower first, then idealize, finally paint it. 
You will get to love those dear little buds, the tender 
bits of color, the characteristic curves of each little life and 
they will become truly alive at last, at your magic touch. 
Of course it will not be "magic", but to the superficial 
student who has not ' 'gotten into the spirit, ' ' it may seem so. 
If w r e may be allowed to think of flower painting in 
its relation to china in a human way, we may consider 
porcelains as the parents, and flowers as the children, and 
while subordinate to their elders, intended to bring out 
more clearly their lines and graces. 
So the tall and graceful daffodil is claimed by the 
straight and slender mother vase; the modest little violets, 
not thrown here and there, each by itself to die or live in 
isolation, but bunched cosily together, caressing the low 
and rounding cheek of a broad mamma vase. 
Remember to put only those flowers and pieces of 
china together which seem related by family "lines" or 
"curves" or just enough contrast to relieve the monotony. 
There should be no unexpected guests in decoration 
so choose only those flowers which may live all their lives 
in harmony, without a jar of discord. 
Think with what reverence and love we may look 
dowm upon these little creatures of our study and imagina- 
tion; and if we may be allowed to put on the "crowning 
glory", color, which shall make them live forever, let us 
look well to it, that every line be in harmony with the 
china, realizing that while beauty of color or "life" may be 
independent of form, yet it is only perfect, when associated 
with its proper china family. 
China to which Various Flowers are Adapted. 
Roses. 
"American Beauty Roses" — or stiff stemmed cultivated 
kinds, to tall shaft vases or long panels for the drawdng 
room. 
Other cultivated varieties to vases, and ornaments 
more for formal or festive occasion. 
Smaller roses, for dessert sets, guest room sets, bonbon 
dishes, small vases and Louis XIV candelabra. 
Miniature roses, if painted softly enough, to luncheon 
or tea sets, or even formal dinner sets (Louis XIV) and 
buttons. 
Wild roses for less formal occasions, for the country 
home or summer cottage, for table ferneries, breakfast 
service, particularly in summer time. 
Violets. 
To low round vases, ferneries, small jars, bowls, 
dresser sets, five o'clock tea sets and buttons. 
Daffodils. 
To plain, tall slender vases, long panels, certain kinds 
of tall jugs for flowers. 
Nasturtiums. 
To salad bowls, salad -plates, sandw r ich sets, bread and 
butter plates, cold meat or luncheon platter, pickle dishes 
where glass is not used. Glass preferable to china for pickles 
and olives. 
Geraniums 
To ferneries, jardinieres, certain kinds of vases and 
placques. 
Pansies 
To library or writing desk set, also for guest room 
china, certain vases and buttons. 
For-get-me-nots 
To a child's or young girl's room, "heart party" prizes, 
baby mugs, baby pins, buttons. 
