Mastery gained through emulation (a fancy way to say copying)
Well not quite…. To emulate is to strive in effort to match or surpass a person or achievement. This was the technique employed by all the great Renaissance artists, so when I left architecture and decided to create my own study program, the biggest part of my path to mastery involved me spending a lot of time at the National Gallery of Art here in Washington, DC copying masterpieces.
My copy of Monet’s “Garden at Vetheuil” at the National Gallery of Art here in Washington, DC
Over a three year period, I copied seven paintings at the NGA. I covered the gamut of subject matter from French Impressionism to Dutch Golden Age Still-Lifes.
During that time I was a very active blogger and blogged about the journey I was taking. Curious to dive in and see what I learned and what I was thinking? If yes, click here.
Want to guidance on how to create master copies? Sign up for one of my online classes I am teaching at the Art League of Alexandria. To learn more about my class click here.
My copy of de Heem’s “Vase of Flowers” at the NGA
During this winter term, we will be focusing on the golden age of Dutch still-life! Can’t wait to dive into these delicate paintings.