August 4th, 1819: Mr. Shaw's method is to cover the canvas before painting on it with a thin coating of whiting in order to absorb the grease, or other offensive matters on the surface (he always uses resisting grounds) After about 12 hours this is washed off and the outline is put in with water colours of a warm brown or red and with a reference to the effect as also the correct form of objects. Somewhat in the manner of acquatint engravings that are prepared for colouring. The next thing is to mix some white lead with copal varnish, previously grinding it stiff in spirits of turpentine - this may at fancy be changed into a cold greyish purple, with this lay in such prominent parts as you wish loaded and this may be ventured to a great degree without fear of its cracking. This will dry in a few hours and you may then proceed to paint in the sky and distances. As you advance to the front of the picture where the character is bold and rough the colour may be occasionally glazed over the parts painted with the copal mixture and rubbed gently in with the palms of the hands and the effect of draying is thus effected.