Second Attempt, Bouguereau
 

My second attempt. This is from a picture in an old Master Technique book. I took a photo of the photo (which was probably a mistake) from a painting by Bouguereau. I sharpened the source photo a little as it was fuzzy.

If any one has the time for a comment it would be much appreciated. I see a great deal that needs to be changed, but the pastel is flaking off already and I hesitate to correct this one. But for future attempts, pointing out the errors would be very helpful.

Just a question. If this were done in oil and glazing would this be a good one for the (hoping I have the term correct) Verdaccio method? Thanks for looking and/or commenting. geri

Here is the source photo. Thanks

Wow Geri, this is beautiful,the feathering is great and as far as trying to improve it, im lost for words, but i will give it my best shot - a little stronger color and stonger highlights is all i can come up with, but i like it as it is and would'nt touch it...what book is this i would like to have it myself?i think its great. :thumbsup:

I don't know what the opinion of the more experienced artists is about this, but I'd think this would be much easier if you were working in the same medium as the artist you're copying.

In doing pencil and charcoal copies, I've found it hard to make them exact with even a different texture of paper, or a different size from the original, to say nothing of a different medium altogether.

Since Bouguereau used an underpainting method, I think that this would be the very best way to approach a copy of his work in oil.

You have done a nice job with pastel but in the oil version to come, I'd like to see you pay more attention to building light.

Mellow Yellow
 

Gorgeous rendering of an inspiring painting. I would note the yellow tones the master used in the neck area. To get closer to his, definitely go with oil. The verdaccio underpainting might work well here.