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12.

hands of an accomplished Artist might produce a beautiful and lasting effect; whereas the efforts of a full and masterly pencil, spread over a badly prepared ground, even if they produce an agreeable effect at the moment, will probably change or perish in a little time.

Whatever may be the advantage to a Picture which has been painted with a full impasto, it should not be forgotten that this commendation is generally given by Authors who are Picture cleaners and Dealers, who find that such pictures come out of their hands, after the severe operations of cleaning, with less apparent injury, when compared with those which have been finished with thin & delicate films of colour.  These considerations are much in favour of the practice of making Studies from Nature, and experimental effects with colours, no matter how thin or superficial; because in the application of thick masses of colour the drawing is apt to be lost.  When the Artist is satisfied with the forms and effects he has produced, then he may carefully copy his study on a Canvas to be finished - (the drawing secured by a good tracing) - judiciously dead-colouring it, and giving to every part the clear, full and even colour which may be desired, approaching by accurate imitation, the proper hue of every part, leaving him under the necessity of employing no more glazings nor slight touches than may be required for his final effects, and which cannot so well be otherwise accomplished; because there are often effects of form, colour and expression that cannot be produced without some final, delicate, transparent, and superficial touches, essential to the perfection of the work.  These touches, though they may last long enough to satisfy the proper owner of the Picture, can seldom bear the scrubbing of the future Picture-cleaner, who would enrich himself with works for which their Authors were but adequately compensated.

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Tin

For Pictures of a small size Tin is the most convenient article.  It is prepared by first roughening the surface with Sand or Glass paper, scratching it in all directions.  It will then receive an even Coat of paint; and, when put into a gilt Frame, will retain its shape.