FOOTNOTE:

[24] There seems but one rule of criticism in this connection. If a
book illustration comes out coarsely and (as is often the case) a
mere smudge, the process is blamed, when the drawing or photograph
may have been quite unsuitable for the process employed.

STUDENTS' DRAWINGS.

The following four examples of drawing from life, by students at
Victoria Street, fresh from art schools, are interesting as tentative
work. The object has been to test their powers and _adaptability for
line work_; avoiding outline in the experiment as much as possible.

Nos. 1, 3, and 4, it will be observed, evade backgrounds altogether--the
too ready solution of a difficult problem in line.

These drawings were made direct from life, in line; a system not to be
recommended, excepting as an experiment of powers.

Examples of students' wash drawings, &c., will appear in future editions
of this book.

[Illustration: No. XLI.

"_Spanish Woman_." A Study from Life.

By INA BIDDER.

This is a clever sketch with pen and ink and brush, and drawn with a
bold free hand, reproduced on an (untouched) process block. It shows
originality of treatment and courage on the part of the student; also
the value of great reduction to give strength and effect.

(Size of drawing, 16 x 11-1/2 in.)]

[Illustration: No. XLII.

"_Sketch from Life_," by ESTELLE D'AVIGDOR.

This student was the winner in a prize competition lately in _The
Studio_. She has undoubted ability, but not clearly in the direction
of line drawing. After considerable success in painting, this student
writes: "I still find the pen a difficult instrument to wield."

In this sketch we see the influence of Aubrey Beardsley and others of
the dense-black, reckless school of modern illustrators.

(Size of drawing, 10 x 6-3/4 in.) Zinc process.]

[Illustration: No. XLIII.

_Sketch from Life_, by G. C. MARKS.

This pen-and-ink drawing is interesting for colour, especially in the
hair; it would have been better modelled if drawn first in pencil or
chalk.

This student has an obvious aptitude for line work; the touch is very
good for a beginner.

(Size of drawing, 10-1/2 x 8 in.) Zinc process.]

[Illustration: No. XLIV.

_Bough of Common Furze_, by WILLIAM FRENCH.

A most careful study from nature in pen and ink. (Size of original
drawing, 14 x 11-1/2 in.) Reproduced by zinc process.