studying from the masters...

[Patton Art]

I've heard a lot of people do master copies. but... why? Wouldn't it be better to draw from life?

But yeah, the main thing I wanted to bring up was that I had read that Sargent studied mainly from Rembrandt, and that's how he developed his style.

So... how exactly does one go about studying them? I don't think that just drawing copies of their works will help...

I want to learn to learn from Bouguereau and Velazquez; they're my favorite artists (technical skill-wise, at least). I also greatly like Michaelangelo's paintings.

Soooo... I have a lot of respect for the masters; how do I go about learning from them? Or should I just continue drawing from life every day and just develop on my own?

[Beer Baron]

I had this same exact question a while ago. While I don't think there is a set way to go about it, I can offer you some suggestions based on personal experience.

I'd first recommend jotting down some questions you have and what you hope to learn. A well-defined plan is VERY important. This often proves to be the hardest part.

Then either go to the bookstore or library and begin finding books on the artists. This can gain you the technical insight you're looking for. Look for the artists' technique and how it evolved. How their environment and loved ones played a key role in shaping the artists' personality and how that comes out on the canvas. It can also provide you with a source of inspiration and perhaps a kindred spirit in a fellow artist. Plus, chicks dig a guy reading a fat art history book. Makes them look smart. Or that's what I keep telling myself. :(

Then I'd supplement your life drawing studies with copies of artists whom you admire. Perhaps when you don't have a model to sketch or don't know what to draw? Take out an art book and do some close studies. See how so-and-so draws ladies differently from so-and-son. How color is used to convey mood. Again, I don't think there is a set standard of how to go about this. I would just use the questions you developed and try and answer them.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[Jason Manley]

if you have to ask this question you have not done enough master copies.


I will go into it more...show me a master copy first.


j

[MindCandyMan]

Look under the Art History Section of this website and there is a thread for all of us making copies of the masters