Drapery

You must remember in using these liquid colors that they are

transparent, and, therefore, whenever the print is light you cannot

make it dark, unless you strengthen the shadows by applying opaque

colors. For dresses, if they are light, use the delicate colors to suit

your fancy, either the rose, blue, yellow, or gold; when they are dark,

use the magenta or violet, being careful to spread the colors evenly.

After you ha e once colored the dresses, then with a stronger solution

of the same color darken the shadows; if you then touch up the

half-shadows with blue the effect will be still finer. For neckties or

ribbons use the complementary color to that of the dress. For laces use

a weak solution of yellow, and after it is dry touch up the strong

lights with Chinese white. If there is a curtain in the picture use the

complementary color to the dress. For chairs use brown. If sky, trees

and grass are to be painted, color them according to the directions

given for landscapes under the different colors; only be sure to modify

them, and keep them low in tone and color.



In laying on flat washes of color, the brush must be held nearly

upright and should be passed boldly over the surface; the color should

then gradually be brought down and spread equally over the whole

surface as rapidly as possible, in order to avoid letting any part dry

before the whole has been covered; then whatever surplus there may be

should be carefully sponged off. When you apply the wash of color to

the picture the latter should not be held flat, but at a slight angle,

so that the color will settle down towards the bottom of the picture.



These colors are more suitable for figures and landscapes combined than

they are for landscapes alone, yet very pretty effects in landscapes

can be produced with them. If any white spots should be found in the

photograph, as very often happens, after the picture is quite complete,

touch them out with India ink, using a small brush.