Theoremetrical System of Painting

By Matthew Finn

1830

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"Theoremetical System of Painting, or Modern Plan, fully explained in Six Lessons; and Illustrated with Eight Engravings, by which a child of tender years can be taught the sublime art in one week. To which are added, The Theory and Practice of the Old School, in the introduction of Landscape and Figure Painting; with many valuable receipts on the subject."

This little book emerged from the HSEAD archives, and now has been reproduced in paperback, both as a potential learning tool and an historical reference. Teachers and students alike will appreciate the quaint language, occasional obsolete spellings, and the obscure names of some "colours," as well as the interesting instructional style, and the two sets of stencil patterns for creating a rosebud and a pheasant. The reprint adheres as closely as possible to the original, except for the cover, which is illustrated with a current rendering of one of the two projects offered (shown).

Here is Finn's own Introduction:

" The pleasing amusement of painting will be always admired throughout the world, more particularly by females, whose leisure hours may be so happily devoted to the contemplation and copying of nature. The great utility of this sublime art is considered by few, and the few are those only possessed with a taste for it. Many acknowledge a willing disposition to learn; but for want of taste, are obliged to relinquish the idea. Now, of all the methods ever introduced in the art of painting by water colours, that of the theoremetical takes the lead; more particularly in flower painting, in which the beautiful tints, lights and shades, which can be so easily accomplished, even by a child, remain unrivalled; whilst the mystery of the performance lies hidden from the nicest critic. To those who think they want taste for painting, this method is earnestly offered for trial. The author can safely and fearlessly assert, that such can be produced through its medium, although hidden for forty years in the life of a practitioner. To the theoremetical system the author has combined that of the old school. The information afforded throughout the work, he presumes, will be found pleasing and instructive; and the valuable receipts given of such utility to young artists, as to insure success to their labours,

Whilst he remains

The public's obedient servant,

MATTHEW D. FINN

New.York, March 29, 1830"

Table of Contents

Method used for cutting out theorems
To make your theorems coincide
To prepare paints for use
To soften or blend colours gracefully
Rules to be observed in the use of theorem
To blacken paper for use
Names of colours used
The production of mingled colours
To place gold in a shell for use
Implements and materials requisite for drawing
General directions
The choice of a subject
Of light and shade
Shading in Indian ink
Of landscapes and buildings
Of the neutral tint end colours
Observations on landscapes
Mixed colours for landscapes
Trees
Flowers
Birds
Cattle
Human figure
Clothing the figures
Drawing landscapes, buildings, &C from nature
Drawing by the camera obscura
An expeditious mode of copying
Colouring, &c
Useful hints
Painting on silk or satin
Drawing on silk
To recover decayed colours
Drawing an invisible landscape
On the effects of colour
Water colours
Colours arising from mixture
Neutral tints
Sepia
Rules of perspective
To draw an oblique view

 Theoremetical System of Painting by Matthew D. Finn, 1830. Reprinted by the Historical Society of Early American Decoration, Inc., 1998. Appr. 5.5x8.5 inches, stapled paperback, 60 pages, 9 pages of black and white illustrations, color illustrated cover.

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