Oil sketching paper is an extremely serviceable material for the young artist. It is made of drawing paper, covered with two or three thin coats of oil colour, so as to furnish a ground similar to that of prepared canvas. It is cheap and portable, and serves very well for early attempts and for preparatory sketches; for trying the effects of any work previous to its commencement, as well as during its progress. This sketching paper is usually made of the imperial size;* and, when used, a piece should be cut of the required dimensions, and fastened at the four corners, by drawing pins, to a deal drawing board. The paper has this advantage, that, if your sketch is required to be preserved, you can readily paste or glue it upon canvas, and then mount it on a deal stretching frame, when it will present the appearance of strained canvas.,Academy board.-This is a thin millboard, prepared in the same manner, and adapted to the same uses, as the prepared paper. It is the material on which most of the studies made at the Academy are painted. Being stiffer than the paper, it does not require to be fastened to a drawing board. These boards are in size about 24 by 18 inches.,,* 30 by 21 inches.,,