I was reading on another forum in a topic where someone was searching for techniques of "The Old Masters".
The thing that struck me was that many people are told to "Study the Masters". But I wonder if they really understand what that means...it's not just book learning, but you need to understand them through your own paintings.
I was also advised to "Study the Masters". The difference being that the instructor in question advised studying the masters via the paint - replicating their paintings. The theory being that, and I quote (Frank Covino): "Before you can create significant art, you must first visit significant art. By 'visit' I mean that you must create from a master work, your own understanding of what they did and how they did it. This is the way to true understanding."
I believe that many aspiring artists have misunderstood this axiom and simply want to research their materials and possibly dig up techniques. Clearly, these things are useful, but they of themselves won't help you "understand" "how" and "what" they did beyond a surface understanding of the materials involved.
I have done three old master reproductions. What you learn from doing them is astonishing! First, you learn about how they composed the piece - light, shadow, angles, form, negative space. Second, you learn a bit about how they might have prepared for their painting by preparing yours - sketching, value studies, surface preparation, and underpainting. Finally, you learn a huge amount about how they finished their paintings as you strive to duplicate the effects they achieved. While you are copying the painting read everything you can about the artist you are copying - get into their "head" as it were - it is a great experience to reflect upon their lives as you create your own version of their work.
I learned more from reproducing a Hans Holbein than simply looking at it could ever teach me. It is amazing when you then go back to the museum and look at their paintings. You can actually say "I've done that." and understand much more about "what" they did and "how" they did it.
The masters are not unatainable. If a human being was capable of that level of perfection 600 years ago, then there is hope for all of us now.
The difference it will make on your own works will be dramatic.
Here is my Holbein - Sir Thomas More. Holbein's version hangs in the Frick Museum in New York.
http://www.fineportraitsinoil.com/ThomasMore-Done1.jpg
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