Make an enlarged copy of this, or design a similar one. Then, in the attempt to find the best proportion and the best way of setting the subject upon canvas or paper, arrange this in rectangles of varying shape, some nearly square, others tall, others long and narrow horizontally as in No. 35. To bring the whole landscape into all these will not, of course, be possible, but in each the essential lines must be retained.
Draw in ink after preliminary studies with pencil or charcoal, correcting errors by tracing.
Then find in nature other similar subjects; sketch and vary in the same way.
[pg 46]
The art of landscape painting is a special subject, not to be treated at length here, but I believe that the true way to approach it is through these or similar exercises.
First study the art, then apply it, whether to landscape or any other kind of expression.
PICTURES COMPOSED ON RECTANGULAR LINES.
Great architects and designers were not the only ones to use this simple line-idea; the masters of pictorial art have based upon it some of their best work; (opposite page).