ir,
but usually darker in tint. Do not try to make out the separate hairs,
or hardness, which is very undesirable, will ensue. Sometimes in
finishing the eyelashes you will improve them with a few fine strokes
after the wash of colour is laid on. The hair must be painted broadly in
large masses, and its natural fall on the forehead, its tendency to curl
or wave, must be truly rendered. For black hair use neutral tint, and a
little indigo for the lights; for the local colour, indigo, lake, and
gamboge. For brown hair, sepia, but should it be very dark add a little
lake. Burnt umber will give a beautiful chestnut brown if mixed with
lake modified with sepia. No part of a miniature should be finished off
until all the rest is close to completion; for one colour affects
another considerably when they are placed side by side, and so it is
impossible to judge of the strength of a tint until all its surroundings
are brought near to an equal state of finish. Select a colour for the
drapery that will suit the complexion and hair; one that will heighten
the effect of each, and produce a pleasing harmony. Nothing is more
charming than white for a young girl, who possesses a fair complexion;
the ivory itself forms a soft creamy white ground that needs only the
shadows and reflections to be thrown in, and a little Chinese white is
employed for the lights. If the dress is coloured you should manage to
introduce some white lace around the throat. Black velvet is also
extremely becoming; the lights are put in with Chinese white.

Brilliant colours for draperies should always be avoided, as there is so
little space in a miniature to be given to the accessories that they
must be kept low in tone if they are to be subordinate to the likeness.
A small quantity of gum is required in the background, and in the
draperies just a drop is mixed in with the colours for finishing off the
dress. The harmony of the whole will depend greatly on the tint chosen
for the background. It may be as dark as you like, only you must not let
it be heavy. A neutral tint of grey or brown is easy for a beginner to
manage, and a warm red-brown is admirable for the purpose. A soft blue
sky with fleecy-white clouds makes the best background for a fair girl
in a white dress. Wash in the background colour to the desired strength,
then stipple it to get it smooth.

With a few general remarks I must end these suggestions. "Stippling" is
the filling in with a small brus