FIGURE STUDIES Portraiture is mainly directed to securing a " likeness," while figure studies are generally intended to show character, costume, occupation, and so on. Renderings of figures in homely surroundings, or engaged in somewhat humble everyday occupations, are generally classed as " genre." The great thing to avoid in successful figure work is any suggestion of posing or of camera-consciousness. Sometimes figures are dealt with as what may be called character studies, in which case care must be taken that position, lighting, view-point, and general treat ment are all directed to securing the particular characterisation desired. In other cases the figures, singly or collectively, are treated in " settings," or surroundings suggestive of their habits and employments. Whatever their occu pation, work, or play, they should appear natural, and not suggestive of merely perform ing for the occasion. This does not imply that a certain amount of posing and arrangement must not be resorted to, but that there should be no evidence of such.
In the case of character studies, careful observ ation of the subject is necessary to realise pre cisely what is to be rendered in each particular case. Study is also equally essential where
occupation is to be suggested. There are cer tain poses and movements that are more effec tive and suggestive than others, and these must be watched for and noted. The sweeping move ments of a mower, for example, cannot be shown completely, but the " arrested motion " should be suggestive of action and not of a stationary pose. A blacksmith with his hammer poised in the air is more suggestive of energy and force than if his hammer is resting on the hot iron. In every such case the most characteristic position must be diligently sought for. The human interest always makes figure studies attractive, but it is extremely difficult to secure unqualified success without careful observation and continued practice and experience. It is, in fact, a branch of photographic work that demands special aptitude, but one that well repays the utmost care that can be devoted to it.