It's funny when you think about it but the art world is
built on copying. However, unlike plagiarism in journalism or literature,
copying master drawings is something many artists have incorporate into their
studies for centuries because it is an excellent way to study and evaluate
incredible artwork. It was a widespread method during the 16th and
17th centuries, and allows artists now and then to demonstrate their
growing ability to draw and render, or to create an homage honoring a revered
artistic.
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Kneeling Female in Orange-Red Dress
by Egon Schiele, mixed media drawing, 1910. |
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When you think about it, getting
drawing lessons from the
masters in this way is a bit of a luxury. All the works are laid out and front
of you and all you have to do is observe. There's no pressing timetable or
hoops to jump through. You can focus on drawing techniques that they used and
work through their work process as a drawing exercise to hone your own skills.
If you are interested in creating a line drawing or contour
drawing after a master, it will be good to remember a few things. First, make a
copy of a drawing in the style you like. It seems like you don't want to pick Rembrandt if Schiele is
more your style. Go with what you are drawn to aesthetically. After all, you're
going to be giving the image a lot of attention.
You'll also want to get a good quality image to work from.
Sometimes that can be from an exhibition catalog, or you might be able to find a
poster-size reproduction of the work. Just look for good tones and a clear
representation of detail and gradation. You may also want to tone your paper in
the style of the Old Masters. They rarely had pure white paper, so go with a
surface that has a bit of neutral color on it.
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Der Trunkene Lot by Rembrandt, 1630/31,
drawing with black chalk. |
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Copying master drawings is an enjoyable and rewarding way to
improve drawing skills. Right now,
Drawing:
The Complete Course is being offered for $5 off through Zinio, which is a
great way to get your hands on an amazing resource that delves into Old Master
instruction, top drawing tips, interesting practitioners,
and more. If, after looking through the guide, you find yourself wanting to
recreate a master drawing you see, don't question the artistic urge because I
felt the same way! So get copying and enjoy!
