To trace Capitals.
To trace the capitals: cut out a piece of tracing-paper, an inch or two larger every way than the letter to be copied; rule a line on which to rest the letter, as it will be wanted afterwards; place this over the pattern (with the ruled line close beneath it), and trace every line steadily with the HB. This done, remove the tracing-paper, turn it over (right side downwards), and blacken all the lines with the BB pencil. Now place the letter, right side upwards, on the space you intend it to occupy on the cardboard, letting the ruled line correspond exactly with the lower line ruled on the scroll: this will ensure the capital being quite upright in its proper position. Hold the tracing-paper down firmly with the left hand, never shifting it until the whole letter be completed, and with the F pencil trace (i.e. go over) every line of the copy, pressing firmly, but not so hard as to cut through the thin paper. It may then be withdrawn, and, if correctly done, the letter will be found legibly traced on the cardboard. It is right to finish the outline firmly (but not too dark) with the HB, as clearness is of great importance when you are colouring.
Some initial letters, such as O, T, &c. admit of the insertion of a small photograph of a sacred subject, several of which can now be procured, even at one penny each. Among others may be selected the "Ecce Homo," "The Saviour bearing the Cross," "Blessing little Children," &c.
Small Letters.
So little practice is required to draw the small letters correctly, that it is scarcely worth while to attempt tracing them; indeed the difficulty of keeping a large piece of tissue-paper steady interferes greatly with the chances of success. In drawing these letters (with the HB), be careful to make all the stems of equal thickness, and let them be in due proportion, of height and width, to the accompanying capitals. |Distances between Letters and Words.|The letters should be placed as near to each other as is consistent with clearness, and about half an inch may be left between each word: let these distances be kept uniform throughout the work. Study to draw the letters perfectly straight and upright, to ensure which is the use of the ivory ruler, thus:—
Test of Correct Outline.
Having sketched in all the small letters as well as possible, turn the strip of cardboard with its end towards you, and I fear you will be shocked to see how many of the letters are out of the perpendicular. If, however, they have not been too heavily drawn, they may now be readily corrected by the little ruler, keeping the scroll still in the same position. The advantage of this method is, that a line which, to an unpractised eye, will appear quite perpendicular, when turned into a horizontal position instantly betrays its deviations. It may be objected that the use of a ruler encourages idle and careless habits, but this is only the case when it is employed to draw by, and not, as it should be, only for correction.
Stops and Ornaments.
The ornamental stop—or perhaps a Greek cross—and any other intended additions, should be traced now. When the hand and eye are a little practised, sprays of trefoil and similar decorations will look more natural and easy, if drawn freshly upon the scroll. Triplets of leaves and berries have a graceful and suitable effect, and these, in illuminations, may be drawn conventionally, rather than naturally. A clever writer[6] says, "Rigidly avoid contrasting natural with conventional foliage. Adopt which you like, for by either beautiful effects may be produced; but mix them, and the charm of both is gone. Natural foliage may be successfully combined with any other varieties of conventional ornament, excepting those based upon natural foliage."
The Vine Passion-flower, Ivy, or any trefoils, have a beautiful effect, if gracefully twined about, or drooping from the initial letter.