Use of the principle of three values in out‐door sketching and in
illustration, has been explained above. There is one application, among
others, that should be made by the student at this point—composition of a
book‐page.
The usual illustrated page is an arrangement in three tones,—white paper,
gray type, dark picture. The value to the publisher depends quite as much
upon the picturesque effect of the illustration as upon its drawing. Size
and placing, disposition of type, amount of margin, are matters of Line
Composition; but choice of type, and the tone of the illustration belong
to Notan Composition. Hence the student will gain much from designing
pages, in ink, charcoal or oil, using as pictures the copies from masters,
or original studies. Picture, title, initial letter, and body of type must
be so composed that the result will be effective and harmonious, No. 58.
Reference should be made to examples of early printing, to the works of
William Morris, and to the best modern printing.
[Japanese drawing, effect of three values.]
[No 55.]
[“The World Afloat” by John Sell Cotman. “St. John’s River” by William
Morris Hunt.]
[No 55.]