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ftERAMIC STUDIO 
IF not properly handled, ferns are apt to look hard and stiff 
as though cut from paper. Avoid all hard lines and give 
careful attention to light and shade. The whole composition 
should be painted in for the first firing at one sitting, as a very 
muddy effect is produced if the edges are allowed to become dry. 
Never put in thick dark color for the first firing, as there is 
plenty opportunity for darkening on the second and last firing. 
This cannot be too deeply impressed on the beginner. The 
universal fault of the novice is to paint too thickly. 
First wash in the background, using the colors very oily. 
TREATMENT OF FERNS-G. T. COLLINS 
The colors must be carefully blended into a soft cloudy back- 
ground which suggests a tangle of plants and grasses in the 
distance. The distant leaves are best painted with Air Blue 
and a little Rose, and those that come directly behind the 
masses of ferns are painted with Blue Green, Yellow Green 
and Shading Green. For the ferns in the sunlight use Olive 
and Yellow Green. The darker touches are Shading and 
Brown Green. The ends of the ferns show touches of Pom- 
padour and Yellow Brown. The stems are Blood Red and 
Black, with touches of Ruby. 
