I’ve started to copy paintings of old and contemporary master painters.

It’s a great way to learn how to solve various painting problems.   It’s also a traditional way of study that artists have been doing for centuries.

I recommend reading Classical Drawing and Classical Painting Atelier books by Juliette Aristides.  They’re both excellent instructional books.

Here’s a few master copy paintings I did this winter and spring.

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Master copy of John Singer Sargent painting: 16 x 12″, May 2010, oil on paper

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Master copy of John Singer Sargent painting: 6 x 8″, April 2010, oil on paper

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Master copy of Kim Cogan painting: 16 x 12″, April 2010, oil on paper

These were done at Basic Inquiry.  The lady with the blue, abstract background was a collaborative effort with Sean Bigham, an awesome painter!

Nude study (from life) – March 2010 : Oil on paper : 14 x 18″

* original available

Did a portrait of my granddad a while back.

I took the photos and did a color study while visiting him in Hilo, Hawaii.

18 x 24″, oil on panel.

Painted from life at Basic Inquiry.

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This one was painted from life at Basic Inquiry Studios.  I prepared an abstract background prior to the life painting session.  Looks kinda spacey?

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Nude figure (from life) : oil on panel : 24 x 18″* original available

A portrait drawing from life at Justin Ogilvie’s studio.  I participated in a mentorship program with Justin in the summer of 2009.  You can see his work at www.justinogilvie.com.

Drawing from life : pencil crayon on cartridge paper : 18 x 24″* original available

The boys at Box Studios opened another multi-purpose studio two doors down, called ‘The Franklin Room’.  The venue, along with Box Studios, is open for event bookings.  Contact them through their website at www.boxstudios.ca.

Below is a mural I completed in December.  Mr.Toughguyelephant is representin for Franklin Room with his F.R. hand signs…

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Franklin Room elephant : spray paint (and a bit of acrylic): about 8 feet tall

Below are some recent-ish paintings from life done in the studio and at Basic Inquiry.

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Still life study (painted in the studio) : oil on paper : 14 x 12″

* original available

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Study from life : oil on paper : 14 x 12″

* original available

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Here’s a few more studies, painted/drawn from magazines.  The Henry Yan instructional book on figurative drawing has some gorgeous charcoal drawings.  He is teaching a figurative drawing workshop on Whidbey Island (near Seattle), August 9th to 13th that I will be attending.  I highly recommend this course if you enjoy figurative drawing…

Study (from Henry Yan book) : charcoal on paper : 14 x 17″

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Study (from Henry Yan book) : charcoal on envelope

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Study (from magazine) : oil on paper : 10 x 10″

A few more recent studies from April…

Portrait study (from life) – Apr 2010 (2 hrs) : Oil on paper : 10 x 14″

* original available