The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-03-18
MY FIRST SITTER.

I had emerged from the Slade school
after several years Of art study, which
chiefly consisted of drawing and paint
ing the human form in every, eonceiva-
bic position. One day I made. up my
mind to 60 and worship at;the shrine of
the old masters in the National:gallery,
to see if these high priests could inspire
and rekindle in me the sacred fire that
was dying out. I wandered through that,
temple of art, filed with .awe,and Won;
der at the magnificent works that sur
rounded me. Yes; I would Try to copy
one these chefs-d' 'csuvre, whichever OF
them just then most struck my fancy. l
found it difficult to decide; at last I
fixed on the portrait anf Andrea del
Sarto, painted by himself; the melan-
choly, handsome face withithe sad eyes
fascinated me; of all this splendid ycollec-
.tion it was the portrait that" attracted
me- most. ~: .'.-" ".''.'." T.. - ~.
T. began to paint. I,soon became
conscious of the presence Of some
one behind me, and through the
corners of my eyes L. saw
clumsy pair of muddy boots evidently
belonging to the masculine gender. The
wearel- of the boots coughed; it was not
big cough, but a series of little husky
sounds that irritated me. Ialonged for
him to choke and expire on the spot; if
he were to remain much longer I felt l
must certainly infict some stains Of
paint on his person. s'-..-.,..,....ii .''
Admirable, beautiful@ exclaimed q
voice with Scotch intonation. II.
turned round, my face. flushing. Was
this individual making fun of my efforts,
or was he in earnest? If 1.-THE latter, then
he must in art matters be an ignoramus.
I beheld stout, elderly man, with
red, iovial countenanoe; a large YER
million nose, with a couple Of buds Of
noses springing from the main stem,
looking as if later on they might develop
into other fuI-grown noses; his small
blue eyes twinkled pleasantly; his
whiskers' were gray, long and bushy-
the old Piccadilly weeper. He was at
tired in tweed, heather+colored suit,
and looked like Scotch. tourist out on
holiday: -. - J.l:. :, =.
aExcuse me for interrupting you, he
exclaimed, taking off his hat, and dis
playing a bald head with a fringe. of
gray hair that stood erect; 'ebut cannot
refrain, from expressing my admiration
of Your clever work. Already Hike it
better than the original; it is:not 50 dark,
and it is smoother; you are a gifted
lassie. Now, would you mind 'nndertak-
ing q portrait? I am rather, ,desirous to
have my old phiz painted for my only
relation, a sister who lives in America" "
Twas so taken back by the .suddenness
of this request that I could scarcely
answer; had never before received q
commission. .A .r.'t, g.; ,.:.-1, ,
o.. u have never painted portrait" I
muttered, leaning on my amahl-stick,
palette and brushes in hand; .sbut' I've
been studying art for several years"
"Well, will you make beginning with
.me:" .~.... ....,,. ,. '.,'...'..-...
what size portrait would you like !?
Head and shoulders, or one with the
hands included?" .'..
'"Down as far as the knees" he an
.ewered stroking his trowsers. "While 1
am about it, I naay as well go in for big
picture. Now, business is business; may
+ ask what your terms are for portrait!
I wish 1 was younger and better-looking,
but that is no fault of mine;" he said this
with genial smile which improved his
plain countenance. I'D. |..' ..
my terms for portrait? Allow me
to consider -. ......
Yes, take your time. I've been look
inground the gallery, and I really don't
much like the old MASTERS they are so
dark. Now, just look at this old woman
byRembrandt. am sure you pilinS bet
ter than that. Your work is nice and
smaeth. and shiny; this is thick and
dull. Ny picture must be smooth, shiny,
with q clean white shirt, and all my or
naIeeus:neatay painted; my coral studas
pd.4-,isalling pd.4y taking Of q bright yellow hid
gtassezIteeettih ring; it is o csrbunele with
associations. I want 1t paiuted-in fact,
repyesentsme just as / am, SO that all my
1zsspds may know rs." .-," +.'.',. ,.''., ,..
I felt this picture would give me
trouble, and never could enhance my
artistic reputation. But was an orphan
with small: means; and this scotchn,an
looked prosperous. -, ~. '.s.. .
If you wish: the hands included, it will
be 90 guineas." I said this with aplonb
while. feeling Ike tTadesman.
"Tery well, am willing to give this
SUM for a good. likeness. When shall !
come to sit? The sooner the better; I
am bird Of passage, uud am in London
only for q short time"
He fumbled his pocket and handed me
his card: -.
Mr. DOUGLAS CAMERON,
The Burn, DuInfries.
u am a farmer, with good deal Of
land north of the Tweed. Now, may I
ask your name and address,"