In our class on the 13th we looked at copying portraits by the masters. This is our challenge this coming week - to find a portrait that you really like and paint it a few times to see what you can make of it.  There are only two days left !

   When you copy a Monet painting, you learn a lot about Monet.  When you copy a Renoir ... oh my ....

   Here is Monet's painting of his son Jean at the edge of a flower garden...   notice the two little people off in the distance, and the two pairs of trees ...  each pair determines a line, and the lines are at right angles to each other on the map.

   Here is a copy of the Monet in watercolor ...  the set of objects - child, far trees, far couple - are all larger and nearer.  A distant mountain pushes the horizon back.  One can't copy a master without improving on it.  

 

   Here is "On The Terrace" by Renoir.  A mother and daughter.  Far in the background is a boat. Daddy is fishing.

... above is a watercolor version.  The child is more outgoing.  Mother's hat is more gradated.  AND... daddy caught a fish!


   So.... for this coming week, find a portrait that needs improving and go to town !

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