The artist's porte-crayon - National Portrait Gallery

‘A facility of drawing, like that of playing upon a musical instrument, cannot be acquired but by an infinite number of acts. I need not, therefore, enforce by many words the necessity of continual application; nor tell you that the porte-crayon ought to be for ever in your hands.’ So proclaimed Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1769 in his second discourse to students of the newly founded Royal Academy. What Reynolds proclaimed was not new for there had long been an emphasis on drawing in an artist’s training and practice. To take the case of William Hogarth, he always carried a porte-crayon in his pocket, according to his early biographer, John Ireland

Art history Neil Jeffares

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Self-portrait with Saskia. Collections Online - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Pierre Bonnard, Untitled. (c. 1940), Available for Sale

Circle of Marguerite Gérard, early 19th century. Christie's auction house titles this painting Letter Writing, but the subj…

Louis marin bonnet after françois boucher hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

Rare Joseph Wright of Derby self-portrait donated to local museum, Painting

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Conte crayons hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

Sheet of pape hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

Sir William Bruce, c 1630 - 1710. Architect