DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.42850#0040
THE FIRST PEEP OF GRASMERE FROM THE
KESWICK ROAD.
--
rpiIE two previous drawings were strictly mountainous in character. I have now introduced one with
-L trees of some size, and continued, in a slight degree, the practice of the former distances. Regard
has also been had to the singleness of the subject, if I may use the term, in tho hope of inducing many
to seek out the like during the season for working out-of-doors. There are so many failures, attended
by perplexity and disappointment, in the attempt to portray scenes of a difficult description, that I am
desirous of leading the beginner to those of a simple kind; so that, when he has had practice in such,
he may exercise his pencil upon subjects of greater combinations and importance. Success is always
encouraging; failures invariably depressing. The former can only be attained when the ability is equal
to the task; the latter is a sure evidence of incompetent skill. It is much more prudent to undertake
too little than too much; because there is real pleasure in the pursuit of any accomplishment where the
powers are not overtasked, and where we are influenced by confidence in place of fear. To the sketcher,
Confidence is truly necessary; for, with this feeling, there will be both freedom and decision of touch,
a clear and well-formed outline, a judicious arrangement of light and shade, and a perception of colour
that will be in accordance with the landscape under treatment. Where the mind can fully comprehend
the matter, a little patience and care will most assuredly carry out the work most satisfactorily. But if
the matter is beyond the mind, then it is advisable never to hazard subjecting the latter to perplexity
and disappointment. I have dwelt upon this at some length, knowing the folly of aiming at difficult
subjects; and shall make a point, from time to time, of repeating the caution.
The present drawing is of simple materials;—sky, mountain, water, a hillside, a flat tract of middle
distance and foreground, with a group of trees to the left, and a few stones bounding the watercourse to
the right. In making the sketch, the water-line should be the first drawn; then the line for the middle
distance below it, and the particular rising angle of the hillside. After these, draw the central mountain,
carefully noticing its incidence upon the hillside, and the precise position of its greatest elevation. This
must be found by an imaginary perpendicular line from it to the water; which line, in this instance, falls
just upon the point wffience the hillside rises from the valley. This practice is the only true method of
finding the relative points of the several objects, and will prevent their being placed too far on either side.
Of course, comparing by means of imaginary horizontal lines will insure the relative height of each
object. The dark line at the further end of the foreground is now to be given; and the curvatures of
the road, pathway, and watercourse on the right. Now, raise the stem of the nearest tree, and the exact
position of its neighbours. In groups of this kind, the most perpendicular stem should always be drawn
first; and then the direction of those near to it can easily be settled by the indication of a dot below, and
another at the proper distance above and also at any part where there is a change of angle. This done,
the outline can readily be filled in without hesitation. Attention in this respect will save much time.
The stems being sketched in, the foliage can be placed with great truthfulness, and will appear to have
a proper support.
Trees are felt to be very difficult to the amateur. “ I cannot draw a tree/'’ is constantly sounding in
my ears ; and this arises from a want of appreciation of the construction of stems, limbs, and foliage. There
E
KESWICK ROAD.
--
rpiIE two previous drawings were strictly mountainous in character. I have now introduced one with
-L trees of some size, and continued, in a slight degree, the practice of the former distances. Regard
has also been had to the singleness of the subject, if I may use the term, in tho hope of inducing many
to seek out the like during the season for working out-of-doors. There are so many failures, attended
by perplexity and disappointment, in the attempt to portray scenes of a difficult description, that I am
desirous of leading the beginner to those of a simple kind; so that, when he has had practice in such,
he may exercise his pencil upon subjects of greater combinations and importance. Success is always
encouraging; failures invariably depressing. The former can only be attained when the ability is equal
to the task; the latter is a sure evidence of incompetent skill. It is much more prudent to undertake
too little than too much; because there is real pleasure in the pursuit of any accomplishment where the
powers are not overtasked, and where we are influenced by confidence in place of fear. To the sketcher,
Confidence is truly necessary; for, with this feeling, there will be both freedom and decision of touch,
a clear and well-formed outline, a judicious arrangement of light and shade, and a perception of colour
that will be in accordance with the landscape under treatment. Where the mind can fully comprehend
the matter, a little patience and care will most assuredly carry out the work most satisfactorily. But if
the matter is beyond the mind, then it is advisable never to hazard subjecting the latter to perplexity
and disappointment. I have dwelt upon this at some length, knowing the folly of aiming at difficult
subjects; and shall make a point, from time to time, of repeating the caution.
The present drawing is of simple materials;—sky, mountain, water, a hillside, a flat tract of middle
distance and foreground, with a group of trees to the left, and a few stones bounding the watercourse to
the right. In making the sketch, the water-line should be the first drawn; then the line for the middle
distance below it, and the particular rising angle of the hillside. After these, draw the central mountain,
carefully noticing its incidence upon the hillside, and the precise position of its greatest elevation. This
must be found by an imaginary perpendicular line from it to the water; which line, in this instance, falls
just upon the point wffience the hillside rises from the valley. This practice is the only true method of
finding the relative points of the several objects, and will prevent their being placed too far on either side.
Of course, comparing by means of imaginary horizontal lines will insure the relative height of each
object. The dark line at the further end of the foreground is now to be given; and the curvatures of
the road, pathway, and watercourse on the right. Now, raise the stem of the nearest tree, and the exact
position of its neighbours. In groups of this kind, the most perpendicular stem should always be drawn
first; and then the direction of those near to it can easily be settled by the indication of a dot below, and
another at the proper distance above and also at any part where there is a change of angle. This done,
the outline can readily be filled in without hesitation. Attention in this respect will save much time.
The stems being sketched in, the foliage can be placed with great truthfulness, and will appear to have
a proper support.
Trees are felt to be very difficult to the amateur. “ I cannot draw a tree/'’ is constantly sounding in
my ears ; and this arises from a want of appreciation of the construction of stems, limbs, and foliage. There
E