Chamois skin, cork, paper, (grey).
[Illustration]
DIRECTIONS
FOR DOING THE
MONOCHROMATIC DRAWING.
[Illustration]
Take pasteboard or drawing paper, size with isin-glass, or paint with
pure white lead. When thoroughly dried, smooth it down with sand-paper,
and paint again. Before this coat is perfectly dry, sift upon it
pulverized white marble, through muslin. When dry, shake off the loose
marble that remains. Monochromatic board can be found already prepared
at the book stores, where artist materials are kept. The materials
needed for this work are a thin-blade knife, crayons, fine sponge,
pencil, cork, rubber, blender, &c. Commence painting with the dark
shades first, and blend gradually into the light. For very dark shades,
rub the crayon directly upon the surface with a light hand, and blend
off carefully. Paint the sky first, as in water colors. It is well to
shade distant mountains _very light_ at first, and be sure to have the
edges soft and faint. For water, scrape some black crayon into a powder,
and lay it on your board with the blender, working it horizontally,
making the lights and shades stronger as it comes nearer. Use the
pen-knife for making sharp lights. Dark subjects work to the best
advantage, such as moonlight scenes on the water, old ruins, etc. The
foliage requires a great deal of attention in showing it up. Draw in the
figures last. One familiar with crayon or pencil drawing can acquire
this branch of art very easily.