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WATER-COLOUR PAINTING

convention that his work is so full of significance and so admirable in its suggestion. The rules by which he is guided in his practice are of his own devising, made to suit the demands of his artistic temperament, and tested by careful experiment to find out how they will serve him in the expression of his beliefs. But the fact that he subjects himself to these rules is especially instructive to the student; it proves that even the most original and audacious effort in art is all the better for being disciplined, and that there is no incongruity in directing individuality of outlook into the right channels by the aid of orderly method. Mr. Brangwyn's amazing virility and inventive capacity would not be so convincing if he were not so intelligently systematic in his management of technical processes.

Therefore in studying his water-colours it is necessary first to appreciate his estimate of the capabilities of the medium. He does not believe that water-colour should be used for the realistic representation of nature; it should rather be regarded as a device for translating certain selected

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