Pens. For pen work in the lower grades ordinary school pens will suffice, but as the pupil progresses he should be provided with pens suited for the more advanced exercises. Among the best are Gillott's pens Nos. 170, 303, and 404. The first is fine, the second medium and the last coarse.
Erasers for ink marks are a combination of India rubber and emory powder. A sharp-bladed knife is used for the same purpose, especially for erasing ver}^ small spaces.
Ink for Drawing. Ink that is as black as possible is essential, even for the beginner, in any kind of pen work. Pale ink is a positive detriment to advance in study. While India ink, whether in stick or liquid form, is best, any so-called jet black will admirably suit ordinary school purposes. India ink in sticks is the cheapest. In fact, many artists prefer India ink in stick form to the prepared liquid India inks. The latter is apt to '"cake" on steel pens, making frequent cleaning necessary. It is more expensive than the stick ink.
To prepare stick India ink for use, place a little water in a saucer. Then, place the flat end of the stick in the water and grind with a rotary or twisting movement. The ink should be ground until it appears quite black, but not until it is as thick as the consistency of cream. If ground too much it may not flow readily from the pen. If such is the case, the ink may be diluted with water before using it. The ink should be tested by making a heavy line on a sheet of paper and allowing it to dry. If the line appears brown or gray the grinding should be continued. After the stick is used it should be wiped dry. This will prevent its cracking. Grind only enough for present purposes, as the ink will not keep well, even if bottled, for more than two or three days without giving forth an offensive odor. A drop of carbolic acid or oil of cloves may, however, prevent the decomposition of the vegetable matter (of which the ink is composed) and which cause the disagreeable smell.
If the liquid ink is preferred, procure any of the ready prepared waterproof liquid inks sold in bottles by art material dealers. Should the ink become too thick dilute it with soft water.
Chinese White. In using Chinese white in tubes, squeeze a little on a slab or saucer, and then dilute with very little waterjust enough to make it flow readily. It should be used much thicker than ink. If used with a pen, it should be thinned. The pen must be quite clean.
Drawing Instruments. No valid reason can be given for the entire prohibition of the use of drawing instruments by pupils. The straight edge and the compass are implements frequently necessary to every student of art whether beginner or professional.
The pupil should never cease freehand exercise of straight and curved lines, constructing by these means nearly all the examples shown in this work. When, however, the accuracy of the final drawing depends on the correctness, for instance, of a square or of a circle, the boundary or perimeter of which encloses or establishes the form of some object, the pupil should be permitted the assistance of the simple instruments mentioned. Even the most accomplished artist cannot depend on his hand and eye to construct a perfect circle, or an exact vertical or horizontal line: then why should the inexperienced pupil be hampered by the prohibition of such aids as will make his drawing accurate? From another standpointthe pupil will eventually avail himself of the aid of drawing- instruments, then why not let him become proficient in their use? There can be no reasonable negative answers to these questions, at least such is the conviction of the author of this humble volume. Therefore, it is advised that each pupil of the early grades be provided at least with a straight edge and a pencil compass, for occasional use. Furthermore it is deemed quite safe to provide the pupils in the more advanced grades with dividers, T-squares, triangles and protractors. Their straight edges should be in the form of inch-rules.
Even in elementary mechanical and working drawing exercises, such as described in this work, the use should be permitted of the ruling-pen and pen-compasses when the drawing is to be made in pen-and-ink.
The T-square is a straight edge with a cross piece at right angles securely fastened at one end. The latter slides along one end of the drawing board while the blade is used for marking horizontal and perpendicular lines.
Sections
- Action Drawing
- Advice To Teachers
- Beginners Instructions
- Blocking In
- Clay Modeling
- Copying By Triangulation
- Decorative Ornamental Art
- Drawing From Nature
- Early Exercises
- Elementary Lines
- Elementary Perspective
- Expression Emotion
- Foreshortening
- Geometrical Form
- How To Draw Animals
- How To Draw Cartoons
- How To Draw Charcoal Crayon
- How To Draw Flowers
- How To Draw Women Men Children
- Lettering
- Light And Shade
- Materials For Drawing
- Models Measurements Proportions
- Outlines For Beginners
- Paper Folding Cutting
- Pen And Ink Drawing
- Principles Of Composition
- Simple Story Pictures
- Solid Black Effects
- Stimulating Imagination
- Tracing Transferring
- Two Handed Exercises