Velazquez study
 

This doesn't qualify as a portrait copy...I had the good fortune to do this in front of the original. Took me 6 weeks, going everyday (except Mondays and weekends). Size was 130cm x 97cm, oil on canvas.
I was reading what Georges Michael and Karin Wells have said in this section about the value of looking to the old masters and copying them as part of one's formation. Truly valuable.

I tried as much as possible to imitate the essence of Velazquez' brushstroke and having the original within a few inches from one's face truly helps. Nevertheless, the Master is still the master and I am merely the student. He was an awesome virtuoso with the brush and I feel very honored to have had this experience.

Carlos

Carlos, this is a awesome study/copy! I remember seeing it a while back but had no time to respond at that time. I so wish to visit. It would be real nice if I could spend six months to a year there and join you at the Prado. Can you give me some idea how much I would need for living expenses, estimate for a month, rent, food etc.?

Hey guys, do you think they would let us set a tent up in Prado?

Great job Carlos.

Groupie copyists. Sharing lead white and everything.
Never been done before to my knowledge.

Thanks for responding, gentlemen. I had forgotten about this post. C

Wow Carlos! How did this get overlooked? It's really lovely
. . . and what an wonderful experience that must have been to paint it on site!