Howard, Frank: Colour, as a means of art: being an adaptation of the experience of professors to the practice of amateurs (London, 1838)

14 INTRODUCTION.

by the followers of Mahomet: only it should be
observed that the discussions have terminated in
an almost opposite result; for whereas the whole
pig was eaten, scarcely any of the Art has been
taught.

Numerous works have been published and
numerous methods of instruction adopted: but
they are almost all directed to points of mechanical
execution, or the representation of individual
objects, which mainly depend upon skill.

Skill is the natural result of practice or fortunate
organization, and will, of course, differ with the
perseverance or capacity of the student, which has
led to the persuasion that the productions of Art
are dependent upon what is called natural genius.

But what is known of Art may be as easily
communicated as any other fact, and as easily
acquired as a knowledge of history, or any other
appeal to the memory, and is indispensable,
equally to the critic and to the amateur. On
this subject there are few if any works; and it is
rarely touched by professed teachers of the Art.

The method of private tuition at present in
favor is to make a drawing before the pupil, who
is expected to appreciate the course of proceeding,
and to imitate the effect.