Hints to Amateurs; A Handbook on Art (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1891 Excerpt: ... INTRODUCTION. It is with great diffidence that I, a labourer in the field of art, stretch out a helping hand to those fellowworkers who, for want of a little timely encouragement, are apt to become disheartened. They forget, whilst they cross the Slough of Despond, that beyond that is the firm ground where Progress has her fair abode. I want to impress this upon them, and my only apology for doing so is that I have been assured that my experience may help others; those others who, from force of circumstances, cannot enjoy the advantages that are so accessible nowadays to the art student; and those also who, living far away in the country, have no means of obtaining even the feeblest art education. My hints, such as they are, are written solely for the benefit of amateurs. In using the word 'amateur' I intend it to signify its original meaning, viz., 'a lover.' We have corrupted it in these days, as we English have a habit of doing so many of our words, for the want of the restraining influence of a recognised authority, such as the 'Acad mie des Belles Lettres' in France When we speak now of an amateur it is, I fear, in a slight tone of contempt, for we associate the word with incompetence, and we are led to do so because the work of the amateur usually betrays his want of knowledge. Now it is this knowledge alone which makes the difference between the professional and the amateur. In every line of life in which success is aimed at, an apprenticeship has to be served, of many hours and days of hard work. Art is not exempt from this law, and however small may be the talent one possesses it can be increased tenfold by cultivation. A Professional very often has made his start in life with a lack of money, and an Amateur has been burdened with too much. In...