The text discusses techniques in drawing with a focus on using colored paper and wash drawing methods. Drawing on colored paper should involve blending black and white smoothly, allowing the paper color to contribute to the artwork, especially in areas where bones are seen under the skin. It distinguishes between two drawing methods: a light and less detailed style versus a more heavily worked style, suggesting the former is preferred. Additionally, it describes wash drawing, a technique using water and pigments to create strong shadows, commonly using Chinese ink or bistre.
The Drawing.
Blend the black and white smoothly, instead of the usual habit of drawing on white paper with sanguine (a reddish-brown chalk), which could result in a thin and dry style. As one advances, they should draw with black chalk on gray, light blue, or another colored paper: the best is slightly lighter, and highlights can be enhanced with lead white, prepared chalk in pencil form, or pastel, the composition of which can be found in the book titled, Secrets Concerning the Arts and Crafts.
When drawing on colored paper, take care to let the paper do much of the work, meaning to leave large intervals between black and white, except in areas where bones appear under the skin, such as knees, feet, and hands.
There are two kinds of drawing methods: one with little work and a light pencil; and the other much more loaded with work and detail. Although both methods are equally good, one should follow one’s natural inclination, however, the first is more sophisticated, and is, without question, preferable to the other.
On Wash Drawing (Du Lavis).
Wash drawing is a type of painting done with water mixed with pigment, applied to paper using a brush. Various colors can be washed; all sorts of liquors are suitable for this, provided they are made from colors dark enough to give adequately strong shadows: but most commonly, wash drawing is done with Chinese ink, bistre, and sometimes with indigo or Chinese ink.
Translation Notes:
Sanguine: A red chalk historically used in drawing.
Bistre: A brown pigment made from boiled soot, traditionally used in wash drawings.