Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-05-07
EDUCATIONAL.
The study of Drawing

The value of drawing as branch of education
Is beginning to be appreciated in this country
In many otour cities and towns it has place
on the list of required studies. The old idea tha
some special gift is necessary for the acquisition
of this useful art, is fast passing away. MANY
of our leading educationists have taken the DO.
sition, that any one who can learn 20 write car
learn to draw, and that it is almost as essential
to lear to handle the pencil with skill as it is tc
be ready in the use of the pen.
Drawing and penmanship are kindred branch
es. In their practice, the same faculties of the
mind, and the same muscles Of the hand and
arm, are called into exercise The power to
draw, as well as the power to write, depends
entirely upon education. No one is born a
draughtsman, any more than one is born a writ
er rs true that some scquire more rapidly
the power to draw than others; but the same is
true OF writing, and indeed in all studies There
Is always foot, as well as a head, to every
class, let the study be what it may. Before one
can be skillful, either in writing or drawing, the
eye must be educated to see and the mind to
Judge accurately Of form, size, and proportion
and the hand must be trained TO obey the die
tates Of the mind. II IS not pretended that all
can learn TO draw equally we'll; but it is
claimed that a larger proportion Of pupils can be
taught to dIaw well than can be taught to write
we'll. and that the remainder to say the least,
can be made 10 draw quite well as they can
be made to write. Ii these results have not
followed the study where it has been taught, it
has not been for the want of ability on the part
Of the pupils, but for the want of good teachiRg.
When we have as good teaching in drawing as
we have in other studies, We shall have as good
results iollowngit
Il is not sufficiently recognized how universal
is the love of art What is more pleasing to little
children than their pcture-books. How the
face Of the child lights up at the picture Of any f.
milar object The moment the child gets hold
Of pencil chalk, it beg ns the practice Of draw
ing. II slate or paper is not convenient a fence
OF a barn door answers Let littlechildren be en-
c0uraged in their love for drawing; let them be
furnished with suitable materials; let them be
early and properly taught during their school
days, begnning in the primary school, and there
can be no question but that the great majority
would be able to express the truths Of form as
readily, as correctly, and forciby, in the Ian
guaga Of art As in their mother tongue.
The study Of drawing is a great help 10 one in
learning to write 1t develops the perceptiye
powers, and il trains the hand.
The Hon. Horace Mann says, ~ bclicre q
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