Sunday, April 12, 2009

Painting the Masters

A lovely lady, Michelle Burnett, from Utah, decided to start a blog along the same lines as Karin Jurick's Different Strokes blog. She has called it 'Following the Masters'. I thought this would be quite fun, as I've been told that practising your painting by copying the masters, is a very worthwhile exercise.

The first one is 'Narcissus' by John William Waterhouse, and this is my effort. Have a look at her blog - I think the next one is going to be quite exciting!


I am having major hiccoughs with my computer just lately; I have tried to comment on a number of blogs, but Firefox just throws me off! Am I the only one?

27 comments:

Ajay Patil said...

One seniuor artist told once that copying masters is good learning if done to understand technique used but bad if done only as blind copy.
good attempt

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Wow Liz, Figures...I admire your undertaking! I agree, it is an excellent exercise. Very nice...and, your comment on my blog yesterday came through...sorry I can't help you more.

Marian Fortunati said...

Liz this is wonderful!! How in the world did you do it so quickly?? I remember that when I did this when I was a (younger) student it would take me forever and ever...
Beautiful... I like yours the best of all of the ones posted.

AND what a treasure you've shared with us.. Just looking at the possible masterpieces to contemplate for next time was a real treat.

Happy Easter to you!!

Leslie Saeta said...

Your painting is wonderful and a great exercise to study the masters. I do not think you are alone in having problems with blogger.com. I have to admit though, I was having so many problems with internet explorer that I switched over to firefox and it is much better. Something is off though ... who knows ... probably another virus.

Unknown said...

Wow Liz... This is fantastic!!! I didn't even try Michelle's challenge because it seemed too.....challenging!

You hit this one out of the ball park my friend!
HUGS!
sheila

Carol said...

Beautiful Liz! You should really be joining in with the life groups! I have noticed it with your cricketers as well, your proportions are incredably good and that is the most difficult part to get right.
I have also been having problems with Firefox, but I think it is just internet overload and SA having such a small bandwidth. I don't think it is firefox at all, but google.

Becky said...

Beautiful is all I have to say as I am not a painter.

FitFoodieMegha said...

Wonderful..You did justice with it..:) I liked it a lot as usual..:)

No my Firefox is fine...
Megha
Art on Sketchbook

Art with Liz said...

Hi Ajay, you gave me pause for thought. I have not been looking at the painting that way, rather at colours. Will try the next one with that in mind. Thank you.


Thank you Saundra. I do like painting animals and figures - need to try plein air - maybe later.

Art with Liz said...

No, no Marian. It took all of three weeks! Michelle gives us lots of time. And thank you, you are wonderfully kind. Happy Easter to you to - it kind of slipped by this year!


Thank you Leslie - I've realised compliments coming from you are rather special when I look at your work. I need to phone someone to find out why this computer glitch is happening.

Art with Liz said...

Oh Sheila it was a challenge, but I know you could have done it, IF you had the time, melady! Always on the go - try the next one. And big hugs back to you to.


Carol, just waiting for you to organise the holiday groups! Can't wait and thanks so much for the compliment. Mmmm, the bandwidth could be it, but it never happened before until we had to upgrade our virus software!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Sassydog - loved the hare spray, by the way. Keep us laughing, the world needs it.


Gosh Megha, you are so kind, thank you. Am going to check Google as well.

Arti said...

hi Liz..thats a very good intepretation! Fantastic! I looked at the blog you have mentioned here..Thanks for sharing....its always good to see different artist's visions of a single subject.
I am also having problems leaving comments..may its google.

L.Holm said...

Liz! I love Waterhouse, and you've done a fantastic job with this! Fabulous.
I've been noticing the same problem w/comments for the past couple of days. (maybe blogger's zeroing in on people with the name Liz???) I think I may be hitting post w/out verifying first, in my case, though.

Mineke Reinders said...

This is quite a challenge, and you've done wonderfully! Haven't had any trouble with Firefox/Blogger, but knock on wood...

Cathy Gatland said...

Hi Liz - we've been having various pooter problems lately, but not that one (holding thumbs!) Your Waterhouse copy is beautifully done - I must say I don't think I have the patience right now to attempt this exercise, though I'm sure it would be good for me. I'll check out the next one and decide...

Diana Marshall said...

Yes this one took me a couple of weeks too and that pose wasn't easy either, but it's a great way to improve our painting skills by copying old masters. I'm really looking forward to the next one. You too?!

Art with Liz said...

Hello Arti, thanks for the comment. I hope you take up the challenge as well. If we're all have these problems maybe we should all be emailing google! Hopefully it sorts itself out soon.


Hi there Liz. I wasn't that familiar with Waterhouse, but have looked at his work and also think it rather romantic! Thank you for your kind praise.

Art with Liz said...

Mineke, kind words from you are like gold to me. Thank you.


Thank you Cathy. Carol reckons the 'pooter' problems stem from our rather limited bandwidth! Maybe.

Art with Liz said...

So nice to hear from you Diana. I have tried to put your blog up but google are having a grand old time making my life a computer hell. I love your work and will be following you.
And yes, the one that seems to be getting the votes is going to be quite exciting!

rob ijbema said...

very impresive liz very impresive
happy learning

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Hello Liz, This is truly wonderful. I may hope over there and see the blog.
I would love to be able to do this kind of painting

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Rob - happy to learn all the time!


Hi Peggy. I find copying the Masters kind of intimidating, but nothing ventured, nothing gained! So I keep doing it. Please join in - she gives us so much time to finish a painting.

Susan Martin Spar said...

Hi Liz! I haven't visited in a while - just been watching from my blog. I love how you handled this one. Nice copy. I agree - copying the masters is a great way to learn!

r garriott said...

Very nicely done! Working from the art of great painters is extremely educational, and you did a lovely job, Liz!

Greener Bangalore said...

WOW so beautifully done.......

Greener Bangalore said...
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