TO DRAW THE SECOND OBLIQUE LINE.
Prepare three rows of points down the side of the paper, examine them for correctness of position, hold the pencil as in the drawing, [fig. 60], remove the elbow as far as possible from the side, and join the points by a movement of the fingers and thumb, and continue the exercise until the paper is covered.
Fig. 59.
Fig. 60.
It will be noticed that each change in direction of the line to be drawn, has been accompanied with a corresponding change in the position of the elbow and wrist. The following simple rule will assist the memory when placing the hand for any given line; the pencil should be held so that it may form a T with the line to be drawn:
For the horizontal line, elbow near the side.
For the first oblique, elbow a little removed.
For the perpendicular, elbow more removed.
For the second oblique, elbow most removed.
It may also be interesting to notice, with regard to the movements by which lines are produced, that they are divided into two systems; the first is that of the wrist, which includes the horizontal, and lines in nearly the same direction; the second is that of the fingers and thumb, by which all other lines are formed. The following diagram exhibits the two systems and their various lines grouped, and it will be observed that there is a space marked (a) between the two sets, which may be considered neutral ground. Lines in this direction may be produced by either movement, as may be most convenient, but it will always be found that these lines are the most trying to the hand.