Be you 'prentice or student, or what is
still better, both in one, I introduce the following
pages to you with this explanation:
that all theoretical opinions set forth therein
are the outcome of many years of patient
sifting and balancing of delicate questions,
and these have with myself long since passed
out of the category of mere "opinions"
into that of settled convictions. With regard
to the practical matter of "technique,"
it lies very much with yourself to determine
the degree of perfection to which you may
attain. This depends greatly upon the
amount of application which you may be
willing or able to devote to its practise.
Remember—the laws which govern all
good art must be known before they can be
obeyed; they are subtle, but unalterable.
The conditions most favorable to your
craft must first be understood before these
laws can be recognized. There yet remains
at your own disposal that devotion of energy
which is the first essential step, both in
the direction of obtaining clearer views and
in conquering technical difficulties.
I have to thank the following gentlemen
for their assistance in providing photographs
for some of the illustrations: Messrs.
Bedford Lemere & Co.—H. Sandland—Charles
C. Winmill—W. Weir—J. R.
Holliday and F. K. Rives.
