TO THE PUBLIC[A]
In an age when the patronage extended to the Fine Arts bears a full proportion to the growing expansion of the human mind, and when our National Taste is no longer put out to nurse, an apology for the publication of a new Work, tending to the still more complete elucidation of principles not yet perfectly understood, and giving greater facilities to the labours of the young Artist, will scarcely be considered necessary. If an excuse were sought for, however, the Publishers would confidently point to the acknowledged eminence of the Author of the production which they have the honour to propose to the notice of the world; to the new and interesting principles which it will develope; and to the extent and excellence of the examples with which it will abound. To an enlightened and liberal public, possessing ability to discriminate, and spirit to reward talent, it is unnecessary to urge any additional claims to their attention and support.
The abilities of Mr. Cox, as a Painter in Water Colours, have been long established; and his knowledge of Effect is equal to that of any Artist of which the age can boast. His Pencil Drawings are of the boldest style; and the Etchings, in imitation of Lead Pencil and Chalk, which will be found amongst the examples appended to this Work, will be marked by a peculiar character of fidelity, and derive an additional value from the circumstance of their being executed by himself.—In the first of these Sketches, the most simple principles of the Art will be exposed; and the advancement of the young Student will be accomplished by their gradual progression to subjects more interesting in their detail, and of greater difficulty in their execution.
In the progress of the Work, the Author will introduce a variety of imitations of his Drawings, in Sepia and Colours, from all the most striking Effects in Nature; the Plates from which will be executed by the first Aquatinta Engraver in London; and the subjects appropriated to this department of the Work will be so selected, as to display an unusual variety of the most picturesque Scenes in England and Wales.
The diversity and character of these Examples, combined with the sound and simple instruction which will be found in these Numbers, will render it a most desirable object of study, not only to the fashionable Amateur, but to the young Artist whose disposition and ambition urge him on in pursuit of professional eminence. All speculative and uncertain theories will be cast aside, to make room for tried rules and solid principles; the object of the whole being gradually to conduct the Student, by the most direct paths, to the highest point of practical excellence: and the Proprietors feel the most confident anticipations of the brilliant success which will crown this Undertaking, from the consciousness that a Work, better qualified to establish those ends which it professes to keep in view, is not to be found amongst the productions of contemporary genius.
A TREATISE ON LANDSCAPE
PAINTING AND EFFECT IN
WATER COLOURS BY DAVID COX[B]
ADVERTISEMENT.
The urgent and repeated solicitations of many of his Pupils have induced the author of this Work to submit to the Public those remarks which are the result of many years’ study, and which may guide the Student in the selection of appropriate effects of Nature, adapted to the different characters of Landscape composition.
In his choice of the examples to elucidate these Observations, he has been guided by a wish to lay before the Learner, as far as the limits of the Work would admit of such illustrations, some of the most striking effects, where incident combines with Nature to give expression and vigour to each scene. A more satisfactory elucidation of this rule will be afforded in the examples appended to the subsequent pages.