Whittock, Nathaniel: The Art Of Drawing And Colouring From Nature, Flowers, Fruit, And Shells: To Which Is Added, Correct Directions For Preparing The Most Brilliant Colours For Painting On Velvet, With The Mode Of Using Them, Also The New Method Of Oriental Tinting ; With Plain And Coloured Drawings (London, 1829)

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profusion ; and indeed when a picture contains a great multiplicity of
objects, those objects do not give so much pleasure to the beholder,
as when there are few together; because so many forms and colours
dazzle and confuse the sight, by which means we cannot properly
perceive and relish their beauties. In general the largest and most
brilliant ssowers should be placed in and near the centre of groups;
but at the same time as much diversity as possible should be studied,
for a sameness in this branch of the art is as disgusting as in any other.
"Whatever vessels are drawn containing the flowers, such as vases,
bottles, china basins, glasses, &c. should always be of the most pic-
turesque and beautiful description, and should be painted with as
much truth as the ssowers themselves: indeed every part should be
equally studied and finished.
" A variety of red ssowers should generally be allowed to predominate
in a group, taking care that there is not too many of one colour. Next
to red ssowers yellow ones should be preferred, and next to yellow
white: but few blue and purple ssowers should be admitted, because
many of those colours produce coldness of effect, which should always
be avoided. In every part of grouping, we should by all means shun
formality and similarity of forms and colours."
The student will probably observe the repetitions contained in the
preceding observations; but the general instruction is correct, as we
shall have occasion to observe in the future lessons.