Oiling out

To do this, the paint being perfectly dry, a large, clean, flat bristle brush is clipped into poppy oil and rapidly passed all over the canvas, rubbing the oil well in with the brush. A clean rag is then used, and the whole surface wiped off, thus removing the superfluous oil but leaving enough to soften the paint sufficiently.  A little oil is poured into the oil cup for working purposes and fastened to the palette, as after the first painting turpentine is dis- carded, and oil used for a medium. In taking up the second painting, begin by adding the half-tints which unite the masses of shadow to the masses of light, and repaint the shadows, softening and refining the color; strengthening the darks and putting in the reflected lights.  In the same way the light masses are treated, heightening the color where necessary, and generally improving the effect. The high lights are added with crisp touches that must not be blended, and the details are put in.

It is well to have the parts which are adjacent freshly painted at the same time, such as the light, half-tint, and shadow, so that the edge of the half-tint may be dragged into the shadow, and the edge of the light into the half-tint.  This pro- duces a soft and agreeable effect without destroying the form. In finishing, smaller brushes are used, fine sables, 5 to 9, for fine touches and small details. The painter should at the last carefully overlook every portion of his work, adding touches here and there, softening, strengthening and improving wherever possible. If it is necessary to paint every day upon the same canvas, it is better to add one drop of Siccatif de Courtray to every five drops of oil, as a little of this mixed with the colors causes them to dry more quickly.

In painting upon canvas it is always best to have it stretched if possible. All dealers keep canvas prepared in assorted sizes upon wooden stretchers at moderate cost.

Some artists living at a distance from cities find it more advantageous to stretch their own canvas, and therefore procure it in rolls by the yard and get the stretchers made by a carpenter.