DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18972#0125
LETTER I.]
ON FIEST PRACTICE
97
and skill of the engraver, and make you understand
a little how people must work, in this world, who
have really to do anything in it.
Do not, however, suppose that I give you the
engraving as a model — far from it; but it is neces-
sary you should he able to do as well1 before you
think of doing better, and you will find many little
helps and hints in the various work of it. Only
remember that all engravers' foregrounds are bad;
whenever you see the peculiar wriggling parallel
lines of modern engravings become distinct, you
must not copy; nor admire: it is only the softer
masses, and distances; and portions of the foliage
in the plates marked /, which you may copy. The
best for this purpose, if you can get it, is the
" Chain bridge over the Tees," of the England series;
the thicket on the right is very beautiful and in-
structive, and very like Turner. The foliage in the
" Ludlow " and " Powis " is also remarkably good.
1 As well; — not as minutely: the diamond cuts finer lines
on the steel than you can draw on paper with your pen ; but
you must be able to get tones as even, and touches as firm.
H
ON FIEST PRACTICE
97
and skill of the engraver, and make you understand
a little how people must work, in this world, who
have really to do anything in it.
Do not, however, suppose that I give you the
engraving as a model — far from it; but it is neces-
sary you should he able to do as well1 before you
think of doing better, and you will find many little
helps and hints in the various work of it. Only
remember that all engravers' foregrounds are bad;
whenever you see the peculiar wriggling parallel
lines of modern engravings become distinct, you
must not copy; nor admire: it is only the softer
masses, and distances; and portions of the foliage
in the plates marked /, which you may copy. The
best for this purpose, if you can get it, is the
" Chain bridge over the Tees," of the England series;
the thicket on the right is very beautiful and in-
structive, and very like Turner. The foliage in the
" Ludlow " and " Powis " is also remarkably good.
1 As well; — not as minutely: the diamond cuts finer lines
on the steel than you can draw on paper with your pen ; but
you must be able to get tones as even, and touches as firm.
H