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[[underline]] Observation [[/underline]]
1) It is absolutely necessary to have [[underline]] a firm drawing [[/underline]] with india ink or dried oil color on the canvas which oiling in or light underpainting will not efface. Else much annoyance, loss of time and energy results.
2.) It is indispensable, to [[underline]] underpaint in lightest [[/underline]] oil colors with much turps on a snow white ground. So that they may be easily corrected by scraping off. and renewing. Only from real color suggestion and their masses, i.e. from a suggestive preparation on the actual canvas can one judge of what has to be done and paint 'prima' and with precision and ease.
3.) Varnish added to oil and painted becomes soon hard to brush, one adds oil again and as a result even thin color dries up glossy and if overpainted cracks may result. If one is not sure of prima painting, [[underline]] amber must be avoided until final [[/underline]] colors are laid on.
4.) It is necessary to [[underline]] prepare many canvases [[/underline]] at once, as I am now painting the back of a sheet for four or 5, after washing the priming with soap. One needs  [[underline]] perfect system [[/underline]] in providing things and preparing everything outside of the day hours. Life is short and without system in everything its time and energy is sacrificed to all but the real work of painting.

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