STRAIGHT LINES.
The foundation of technical skill in drawing of many kinds, notably the charcoal and crayon point, pen and ink, and pencil, depends upon the power of making lines with correctness and dexterity; and though later on, in drawing and painting, we learn to see only by form, almost entirely discarding the line per se, yet this early training of the hand often gives firmness and surety of touch to the painter’s brush which might otherwise be wanting, and is in many ways felt to be valuable.
To begin the practice of drawing straight lines, first make two dots of several inches apart, let us say, about three inches from one point to the other. Let these dots at first be perpendicular, one being directly above the other.
Sharpen the charcoal to a point and draw it slowly from the upper to the lower point several times, at first without actually touching the paper, to accustom the eye to the distance; then make the actual line between the two, bearing lightly upon the paper and making a line of uniform thickness.
Make these lines in rows parallel to each other and about an inch apart, continuing the exercise until you are able to make perfectly straight upright lines.
The next exercise consists of drawing horizontal lines in the same manner. After this, oblique lines should be practiced, inclining in different directions.
Remember that no ruling, measuring or mechanical aids of any kind are to be made use of, the object being to train eye and hand.