Colour

Purists will no doubt voice their objections to the colouring of photo graphic prints but the examples of this art exhibited by Mr. J. W. Johnson at the meeting of the Photographic Club last Tuesday more than justified their existence. The lecturer demonstrated the method of colouring prints, the types of print lending themselves to such treatment being shown from a pile or members' prints. The print should' be on the weak side, and invariably sepia toned. A cream paper is also of advantage for many, though not all, subjects.

The paints are ordinary painters' oil colours. There are a number of water colours for photographic work on the market, but all are difficult [unclear: o] use, and none are really permanent, especially in the reds. Ordinary pastels are also quite suitable, provided that a canvas, a royal, or other rough paper is used. Only those colours which are transparent should be used, and all should be lightly used, as a coloured photograph, and no a painting, is being aimed at.

The prints are first given a coat of turpentine, which is rubbed well into the paper with a pad of cotton wool. This Is to prevent the colour sinking into the pores of the paper. The paint is applied with a cotton wool swab, the liner detail being managed with a paper or leather stump such as is used for retouching prints. If the effect obtained is not the one required, the paint can be removed from all portions of the print by means of the pad of wool soaked in turps.

On some occasions it is not possible to obtain the colour required in transparent oil colours, even by mixing, and recourse should then be made to the water colours. These are applied first, and the oil put on top after the other is dry. The water colour cannot he removed. A print of a yacht done in this manner was greatly admired, as was also an autumn tint, and a Dutch scene. Mr. Johnson described Holland as a photographer's paradise, but a worker of his standing can produce good work even in Wellington!

Mr. Johnson is an old friend of the club, having been one of the judges of the "Spike" competition last year, and having given talks and demonstrations on [unclear: numerous] occasions. The heartiness with which the applause was given indicated that all members enjoyed Mr. Johnson's demonstration greatly.

—G.A.E.