Howard, Frank: The sketcher's manual: or, the whole art of picture making reduced to the simplest principles by which amateurs may instruct themselves without the aid of a master (London, 1841)

STRONG AND WEAK POINTS. 53

scene is confined, so may the horizon be made
higher — and, as the scene is more extensive, or
greater expanse is required, may the horizon be
placed lower in the drawing. But it should
always be upon one of the lines, by the inter-
section of which forte points may be obtained, as
on the thirds, fifths, or the subdivisions (Plate
XXII. figs. 2 & 3). Under certain peculiar
circumstances, such as an extensive view, with
distinct features in various portions of the middle-
ground and distance; the horizon may be placed
on one of the upper lines, as one-third or two-
fifths from the top: but the effect is never
pleasing, unless managed with great skill, and
then, scarcely worth the trouble of overcoming a
difficulty that might have been avoided with
advantage (Plate XXII. fig. 4).

If the figure or the subject be in the fore-
ground, and large in comparison with the size of
the drawing; it may occupy one of the forte
parts, covered by one of the thirds, or one of the
fifths, near the centre. If it be small, as a dog, it
may occupy one of the intersections of the fifths,
nearest the side, or one of the subdivisions of the
thirds (Plate XXIII. fig. 1).