Panels of doors, or simply oblong wall-panels of well seasoned wood, are now painted in oil-colors. The oblong panels look well hung upon the wall, or set upon an easel, a shelf, a cabinet, or the mantel.

The materials are the ordinary tube oil-colors, camel's hair or sable brushes of several sizes, a bristle brush for backgrounds, and a hand rest. It should be remembered that panels are not pictures in the true sense, but a part of a picture, of which the room itself is the whole.

The background, if the wood is not left its natural color, should be soft mottled blue, green, or gray, toned a little with warmer colors, a fleck of white here and there being very admissible.

For Subjects, flowers painted in natural colors are most popular. Peach and apple blossoms, on drooping boughs, sprays of dogwood, or anything which suits the fancy, may be chosen. One author, who seems to appreciate the plant, recommends the hop-vine, and it really seems capable of excellent treatment, especially on door panels. Other subjects may be taken; as a sketch of a sailing vessel, supported by the branches of a piece of coral, the latter being painted a light pink; swallows skimming over a small lake; or a mischievous robin perched on a bough of ripe cherries. The beginner should attempt only the simplest subjects.