Photo-Oil Coloring for Fun or Profit by Lucile Robertson Marshall. Manual for Marshall's Oils.

U.S. Camera, 1944.  Red cloth, no dust jacket, very good plus, with slight wear at top of spine and a few fingerprints on front flyleaf.  135 pages. Illustrated with color photographs as well as drawings and photographs in black and white. Author was Color Consultant and Vice President, John G. Marshall Inc., manufacturer of the popular Marshall’s Oils, used to apply color to black and white photographs.  One of many books issued by Tom Maloney, owner of U.S. Camera Publishing Corporation, which also published the U.S. Camera annuals and magazines. Summary:

Photo-Oil Coloring for Fun or Profit by Lucile Robertson Marshall is a practical instructional guide focused on the art of hand-coloring black-and-white photographs using oil-based paints. Published during a period when hand-coloring was a popular method of enhancing photographs, the book addresses both hobbyists seeking creative enjoyment and professionals looking to expand their commercial services.

Marshall provides step-by-step instructions for preparing photographs, selecting materials, and applying oils to achieve naturalistic color effects. She covers techniques for layering, blending, and correcting tones, emphasizing precision and subtlety to maintain the photographic quality of the image. Special attention is given to facial features, skin tones, clothing, and backgrounds, illustrating how careful coloring can bring depth, life, and realism to monochrome prints.

The book also offers practical advice on marketing hand-colored photographs, pricing services, and working with clients, reflecting its dual purpose as both a creative manual and a guide to potential professional application. Throughout, Marshall encourages experimentation while reinforcing foundational techniques, making the book accessible to beginners yet useful for experienced practitioners.

Overall, Photo-Oil Coloring for Fun or Profit is significant as a historical document of photographic practice, capturing a time when hand-coloring was both an artistic pursuit and a viable commercial skill. It combines technical instruction, aesthetic guidance, and practical advice, offering insight into the craft and business of photographic retouching in the early-to-mid twentieth century.