Democratic messenger., 1911-10-28


Phillips. an art student chose the
coast OF Maine for field in which to
paint pictures. There Is an island ON
that coast which has been made pre-.
celebrated authoress. who located one
of her stories there. Harriet Beeehcr
Stoves Pearl of Orr's Island" has
been read by millions OF her fellow
countrymen. thus familarlzing them
with III least the name of the locality.
Miss Phillips. being alone. stopped at
small hotel near the house IN which
Mrs. Stowe wrote her story. In the
morning after breakfast she would
take her artists paraphernalia and
start out in search Of scene 10 trans
fer to canvas But she found nothing
Of the marine order that pleased her
more than the view looking eastward
from the lower end of the island. De
sccnding an incline. she found herself
just above rocky shore overlooking
strip Of Casco bay. There she set
up her easel and embracing in her
the ocean. began her work.
Constance painted all the morning,
but unfortunately her alslity to trans
fer 10 canvas what she saw was not of
a high order. Like many asplrants for
success in art. she felt ii. but was un
able to express Il. What she had
placed on the canvas di appointed her.
full
when she heard Il step behind her and.
turning. saw man descending through
the wild grass and weeds. As he pass
ed her he lifted his cap and. casting a
glance at her picture. paused, looking
from II 10 its subject.
You have selected quite an attrac-
tive view" he said Your discrimi
nation in this respect is proved by
your having chosen the best there Is
here"
Il fear It IS all discrimination. said
Constance. viewing her work lugu
briously.
You mean that you are not gifted
with the artistic tOuch:'
II fear am not"
"A good deal depends upon that
which for the want of better word
| shall call the trickery of art. There
are all sorts Of methods OF producing
effects which. though In themselves
mechanical. tend to successful paint
ing Judging from this bit OF work.
fancy you have something TO learn in
this respect"
Lots"
For instance. this bit OF rocky cliff
Is depicted against that wood across
the water The cln is OF dark
brown. the wood dark green. two
dark substances. the one directly be-
hind the other. You must make one
of them OF n different shade from
what IL is The rock. being IN the
foreground. Is the most important.
You have got It's color TO perfection.
The wood. being distant. would bear
more blending with its neighboring
objects. II will bear tightening.
which will darken the rock.
Constance mixed some colors on her
palette. gave the wood beyond the
rock dab and was quite pleased with
the Improvement. The rock stood ont
boldly, while tie wood appeared ut
its proper distance.
Are you teacher of art:' she
asked.
II have taught art. but do not
teach now am interested at present
IN regalning my physical strength.
which Is somewhat run down"
Constance noticed that he was pale
and thin Ills eyes. which were large
and expressive at any time. seemed
more so In his invalid condition. She
thanked him for his suggestion and. !
removing her canvas. folded her easel
and her stool. put her palette and |
paint In her box and was starting |
away when the stranger said:
''Have you 10 carry those things
far?"
"To the village. about mile up the
island"
do you come back 10 paint this
afternoon?"
Il expect TO-"
"Then Il Is not necessary that you
should lug them both ways. J have
shack on the crest. between here and
the road. and You can leave them
there"
"That would indeed be a saving OF
labor"
lie took up part OF her belongings
while she carried the rest. and they
walked together up little path to one
OF those summer cottages containing
only beds. chairs and cheap tableware
which city folk rent either for few
weeks In summer or for the season"
There was broad porch on three
sides OF II. and its occupant. setting
down the artists materials on the
porch. said:
''They may remain here Till yon re-
turn in the afternoon. and IL you don't
come again today will take them in
side and keep them for you till you
need them"
-.