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Leonardo may have been the first artist to use the technique of softening the surface or edges of forms with his fingers while the painting was still tacky . He was aware that these battalions with their commotions were woven red and startling into the gentle fabric of softened greens and browns . Shortages of equipment and personnel are reported in the Dallas and Kansas City districts , and mining production is decreasing in the Minneapolis district because of softening demand and high energy costs . And again today , he issued a statement offering no indication of softening that position . New York and San Francisco indicated that growth remained solid but showed some signs of softening .