This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. ON ELEMENTARY PRACTICE. SECTION I.--ON COMPOSITION. .HATEVER description of composition may ultimately engage the attention of the student, an intimate acquaintance with the fundamental principles which regulate every successful attempt of art in imitating nature, must be of the first importance. Consequently, before he approaches the more attractive and ornamental art of colouring, these principles, and the rules deduced from them, which are the only sure foundation of future progress, must be firmly impressed upon his mind. 'Any attempt to please by a picture which, though possessing the most harmonious arrangement of charming tints, is defective in regard to the choice of objects, in lines misplaced, or faulty in perspective, would be utterly vain and fruitless. Errors like these would undoubtedly offend both the eye and taste of an intelligent observer; and that too in such a degree that any praise he might bestow upon the beauty of the colouring, would be accompanied by the regret that powers, capable of so much in one branch of the art, should yet be so deficient in those on which all truthful representation depends. Colour, the author is compelled to acknowledge, even in a work devoted like the present to its especial consideration, is subordinate to form and light and shade; for, although more attractive, it is, in the representation of nature, the least important of the three. In studying from nature, the student, in the first instance, would do well to consider colour as so much light and shade, giving to the different hues that portion of shade to which they are equivalent. Truthfulness in form and light must predominate. This object being effected, representations in colour may be given with great effect, even in...