able to utilize these, first by simply making a fair copy, and afterwards to rearrange and adapt to other uses, is something accomplished. And if there is nothing in this achievement of which to be especially proud, at least there is nothing about it that invites reproach.
The outlines of these designs may be traced on the china, and the exigencies of the occasion vanquished. No injury is done by divesting the art of any unwelcome features that threaten incompetency. On the contrary, it is quite permissible to employ any legitimate device that will diminish labor, sustain the interest, and prove stimulating to the end in view. Transferring a design by tracing is one of them.
But as a sure and swift method of obtaining an absolutely accurate outline -- and this is indispensable where portraiture or figure work is attempted -- it is not to be disparaged.
Much has been said and written for and against tracing ; some condemning it as a pernicious practice, others advocating the process to insure accuracy.
