When this careful work is done for a small space, let the touches be less exact and more suggestive, though still following the general character of the pattern. In the more remote portions, very little detail is necessary beyond an occasional hint of the figures, shown by touches of light and dark in the half-tints; the large masses of shadow and light must be kept quite simple.
In painting dark, transparent materials, such as gauzes or lace, the same principle is observed but the conditions are reversed.
Black gauze over flesh is laid in with the colors used for the flesh, but in a darker, grayer tone. The folds which suggest the material should be fine, sharp lines of dark crossing the under painting, and the tones at the edges are dark also instead of light.
A gray surface light will also be seen on these folds, which will indicate the texture of the gauze.
With these suggestions as a guide, the student should practice painting various draperies, arranging his studies from the actual materials, and familiarizing himself with the different stuffs which will enter into the composition of his pictures. In this way he will also learn to observe that by the size of the folds, and their manner of hanging, the thickness and general character of such draperies are indicated, a matter that is frequently slighted, yet which is of great importance.