finding casts, master works, etc

[JParrilla]

Since I enjoy copying great art so much, I figured its time to ease up on copying Frank miller or Yoji Shinkawa and start doing some studies of the old masters and plaster casts. I really need to get my sense of form and value down because my life drawings are struggling. I ordered the book from Dover publishing called 44 old master life drawings or something like that. Its on its way. Im wondering what other ways I could get my hands on some studies that will really give my skills a boost. Ive noticed that drawing from casts (Bargue in particular) is a popular way to learn. I noticed the Cours de Dessin is unavailable at Amazon. Do you guys have suggestions as to how I can get my hands on some really great art to copy and learn from. I love life drawing but my 2 times a week class doesnt feel like enough, especially to hammer the human form into my head. I was told to try and avoid life drawing from photos. So how the hell can I practice when I dont have a model? Suggestions anybody?

[B u r l]

artrenewal.org is a great resource for old master paintings. there are hundereds on there of all the great old masters.

[JParrilla]

thanks alot very cool site.. I was wondering if you knew where i could find something more along the lines of bargue plates. Something I can render in pencil only to sharpen my value skills. I see many posts here where people draw from various plates that seem to be from a cast. Im basically looking to get as close to life drawing as possible without actually drawing from life.. I draw from life all the time.. but id like to do some longer pencil studies

[Craig D]

Do a search for Bargue on the site. A few of the plates are posted or linked to that people have worked on.

[JParrilla]

Ill do that.. In the past I've only found attachments in peoples posts with their work and the original side by side.. But usually poor quality. my main goal is to get the original cours de dessin book. The english version