The Method described to this point, and in the following directions, offers, I believe, the surest and by far the easiest way—if there is an easy way!—to produce the likeness of a person.

With your drawing well established on your canvas (as just described), the likeness is gradually advanced by refining the larger masses of the head (using the same mixed paint as before), then adding the smaller masses. As to the head, the three large masses are the hair, the light area of the face and the shadow area of the face. (The latter is especially important. See "Mass No. 5," page 33.) Study the shape and size of each in its relation to the others and to the whole. If these major masses of the head are done with care, it will be simple to continue with such supplementary masses as clothing and background, finally completing the details. (The background, by the way, is often put in first.)

If this method is followed with skill, the likeness will automatically develop. It may be caught entirely in the drawing just described, color not being essential to a successful likeness. Often, however, one improves the likeness as he advances from the drawing through the painting as discussed in the chapters to follow. So study the step-by-step painting procedure demonstrated on the next few pages. This is a case where pictures, better than words, point the way to successful accomplishment.

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