Method for Learning

Red: it is sold by Grocers and Color Merchants. Choose the darkest color, and the softest to the touch. Cut this stone with a flat file used by locksmiths, or with a thin steel blade, like the springs of clocks, with which small teeth are made to form a kind of small saw. First, cut the pieces of red chalk into small tables, then reshape them into small rectangular pieces, and finally round off the ends with a knife, carving a point to use them.

As the pencil is easier to handle than the pen or wash, it is also more suitable for beginners; the convenience is that it can be erased when desired, by lightly rubbing the paper with a bit of stale bread crumb, allowing one to easily change or correct their work.

When starting to draw, one must first lightly sketch their figure; this sketch is made, when aiming to draw neatly, with light charcoal, like willow charcoal or Reverend’s beret, which can be easily erased by lightly rubbing with a white dry cloth, or with stale bread crumbs. In the absence of willow charcoal, sketch with black stone, which allows one to lightly trace their idea onto the paper. Red chalk is not suitable for this, as it is difficult to erase completely and always leaves an oily mark that stains and mars the drawing.

Once this light sketch is made, and everything is in its place, the drawing is finalized by retracing with a firmer pencil, like black stone or red chalk, over the initial line, which has been carefully

Translation Notes

Red chalk (sanguine): A drawing medium used for its rich color but noted to be hard to erase.
Willow charcoal (fusain): A commonly used drawing charcoal known for softness and ease of erasure.