Some examples of conventional backgrounds are here given which may be found useful

In painting an out-of-door background to a picture it is well to have made some studies of flesh in the open air for a guide to the values, as the effect of light is very different from that of the ordinary studio, as previously suggested.   A made-up landscape background with the figure painted in the conventional studio light, is not good art, and is immediately detected by any one with art knowledge. For this reason we would advise the beginner to confine himself to the logical effects within his reach in the studio until he has gained sufficient experience to justify experiments.

Some examples of conventional backgrounds are here given which may be found useful. A very light, delicate, silvery blue, qualified by grays, is suitable for a baby's head, or young child with golden hair and very fair complexion.  This is painted with permanent blue or cobalt, silver white, a very little light cadmium, madder lake, and enough ivory black to give quality.

A tone of warm light gray, varying in quality according to the complexion, may be used where the hair is light, or dark brown, or even black. Use for this yellow ochre, silver white, light red, ivory black and permanent blue, adding madder lake in the cooler tones, and raw umber for a warmer quality. A rich, dark crimson is sonictimes very effective for a background, especially for a person with florid complexion, and also goes well with black hair and brilliant Lay this in with madder lake and bone brown, and a little ivory black, using turpentine for the first painting. When thoroughly dry, oil it out and re-paint, using madder lake, ivory black, bone brown, and a very little permanent blue with a very little white, if needed, in the darker parts. In the lighter tones,
use madder lake, vermilion, ivory black, and white. Use plenty of paint, putting it on thickly with large, flat bristle brushes.