Page:Drawing for Beginners.djvu/212

 Look critically at the proportions of your drawing. Compare your sketch with your model. Is the face the right size? Does the forehead creep too high to the crest of the head? examine the curve from the brow to the bridge of the nose. Is it sufficiently indented? Carefully note the length of the nose, the shape and projection of the upper and lower lip, the curve of the chin, and the moulding beneath the jaw.

Do not make the neck too thick. You can add bulk to your silhouette, but you can't take it away. Carefully note the shape of the head.

There are various methods of 'finishing' the neck. For our first essay the neck may be finished in a sloping curve beginning at the nape of the neck and sloping thence in a sharp curve downward to the forepart of the throat.

Always sketch the shape and position of the eye, also the nostril, ear, jaw, and corner of the mouth. This will help to check proportions and keep the features in place.

Having drawn the general shape of the coiled, floating, or clipped locks, the stubby moustache or beard, we shall find it easy to indicate the shape and character by the fine hairs projecting beyond the outline.

When the outline is ready to be filled with ink or paint (and supposing that paint will be your most likely medium) mix a good quantity of ivory black or sepia on the palette, and lay it on smoothly and evenly.

The silhouette filled and the outline firm and clear, you will note any projection of hair, frills, collar, lace, and ribbons. Draw these with a delicately fine line.

A word about the size of your silhouette. Do not make the drawing too large, but, on the other hand, do not aim at making it minute. If you sketch it no larger than a postage-stamp you will find it difficult to correct in the early stages; and if you draw it very large you will lose the dainty effect that is the chief charm of the silhouette. One and a half inches high is a fairly reasonable size.

If you are not satisfied with your first attempts at a