I haven't done much during my holiday week, but I did manage to make one painting. They say that copying the Masters is a great way to learn. This copy of Renoir's Head of a Girl started out simply as a quick sketch to decide on the colors that I would use when I do it for real. For that reason, I used acrylic paint and not oil. Those of you that you know me wont be surprised that I got bogged down with it and instead of doing a quick color sketch, I tried to replicate the look of oils using heavy bodied acrylic paints.
There are lots of methods and techniques to use with acrylics and I do so love working with them especially because of the fast drying time. On the other hand, that fast drying time is the one thing that will always separate acrylics from oils. That is the reason that I will be copying this painting again soon and using oil paints. The blendability, as well as the color mixing, is so different. All that being said I offer for your viewing pleasure my version of Renoir.
I tried to use the same size canvas as the original in order to keep up the appearance of it being a copy, but as you can see, I just wasn't able to get the colors very close to the version that I was using. Now not having seen the original (which I have read is the ideal way to copy a great work), I really wasn't sure how true the colors in the art book were. At least it is recognizable as the head of a girl, so I'm happy with that. I probably will do another version of it some time.
I will be working on a huge box of photographs from my past for the next several days (I hope it doesn't turn into weeks) and won't be painting much. Organizing old photos and checking out negatives and sorting out photos to scan or reprint can take up some time. If you have any ideas on making it easier, please feel free to let me know. Otherwise I'll be immersed in the 50's, 60's, 70's, and early 80's for a bit. Wish me luck.
That's it from me for several days. Take care and have a great week!
10 comments:
The picture is really well done. I would suggest a bit of study on frontal facial structure, but overall it is nice. The face in your piece is a bit too far "in"..but the balance of the work is great. Nice work with the acrylic texture and the brushwork. A couple videos on portraits would fix the issues and you would be really good at it all. Did I mention that I am going to have to really start doing some serious work on my art before you get better than I am? I am proud, though.
As a bit jealous of all the photos...my collection is very limited. Have much fun!!
I'm just gonna say Wow!!! I think it's magnificent!
God bless and you my friend have a terrific New Year! :o)
Hi Susan
Happy New Year. you are so right about all the weird things happening, but just you keep painting.
Even to try to copy a Master shows an inquisitive mind as to how they did it.
Just make it your own with your own take and you'll be happy.
Aus is in such trouble with the weathe all floods and rain, almost like the bible floods and pestilence, hope we can all come right soon.
Love Elizabeth.XXXX
I survived the bird drop & the fish kill here in Arkansas. I just hope nothing else happens this month. GREAT artwork. A great way to start the New Year.
Awesome!
T
Your copy is wonderful, Susan! Bravo!
And happy 2011! I hope the new year brings you nothing but happiness!
Beautifully done, Peachy!!! You are truly gifted!
I found their "theories" for the birds falling out of the sky quite entertaining. But I'm sticking with my mass birdie cult suicide theory. ;> )
Have a great rest of the weekend, darlin'.
~Peanut
Sue,
Sorry if my comments sound critical. Maybe the folks don't know I am your sister and also one of your art teachers. Hope my comments are not misconstrued...I think your work has improved greatly and just for the record, I am really proud of you.
hi susan, Of all the things I do, painting is my weakest medium... so weak that I dont even try anymore!! you have a gift for it, I think. I used to do some tole painting.. and couldnt even do that well, and I do believe that pretty much anyone can tole paint! trying to do anything even remotely realistic would just not happen for me!!
anyways, I love to see the things youre working on so keep on showing them!
have a great week
xo
vivian
I do so enjoy seeing your paintings!
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