“No matter how thorough our education may have been
at the first, rules and formulas will slip from the
memory, and every day’s experience gives additional
evidence of the truth of the old adage that ‘THE
KEY THAT RESTS, RUSTS.’”—Simpson Ballard.
The Plan of the Work.
The purpose or scope of this work may be briefly stated: It is to aid the aspiring student in making the first advance towards a thorough and useful knowledge of drawing in its several divisions, as elsewhere defined.
The method to be followed in presenting the subject will be the natural order clearly and simply defined, as “from the less to the greater.”
The first subject to be discussed comes under the heading of chalk-work, i. e., such drawings as can be executed on a blackboard, a floor, or even on more primitive surfaces, such as a smooth stone or board.
This is indeed a lowly beginning, but the author is quite confident it will awaken as much interest as any part of the book—even in the most experienced in the art of drawing, as to them it will revive the ambitions and first crude attempts made in the golden days of their youth.
Let it be clearly understood by all, and especially by those who wish to learn drawing, that the study of this delightful art does not require any special qualification. We need only ask one question: Have you learned to write? If so, be assured you may learn to draw, but to all the same rule applies, first the elements of the art, and afterwards the more advanced study.
It is not expected that all should exhibit a decided taste for drawing, for the possession of this is rather a gift of nature than the result of education; but a knowledge of principles and a certain amount of executive ability may be obtained by every one of average capacity, and whatever the natural power may be, it will be increased and developed by exercise; if the progress is steady and continuous and in the right direction, success is sure to crown the work.
The second division of the book will be free-hand drawing, i. e., that which is executed without instruments. Nothing to instruct has been spared in this important step in the path of advancement.