Studies of master paintings

[TMoore]

I have been so inspired by the paintings in the ARC site. I want to do a series of studies from some of the works there. In painting a reproduction of the works of the masters I anticipate learning a great deal. But I was wondering, once these are finished can I do anything more with them beyond technique education. In other words, can they be sold as reproductions of old masters? Can they be shown in artist public shows? Can I even show them in my own home when a potential client drops by? Can I post what I am working on as a study on WC? I ABSOLUTELY intend on crediting the original artist, of course. I think most, if not all, the works are before 1920. WOW, if I could learn to paint like they do!!!!

[mame]

In your own home, yes.
Public exhibition, no.

I used to write "Pastiche" near/ over my signature so there was no question as to my intent - not that I was ever able to duplicate an original Master.

[Verdaccio]

You can definately reproduce and sell master works that are at least 50 years old and provided that the artist is not still alive (that's just tacky). However, there are some things you will want to do to keep yourself out of trouble and a possible accusation of "Forgery".

Here is what to do when reproducing and selling old master works:

1. Make your reproduction a different size from the original - at least 5% either up or down is standard.

2. Do NOT sign the original author's name to the painting.

3. If you sign your own name to the painting, then be sure to put "After" and "Artists Name". Or, leave the work unsigned.

4. Be sure to always identify the painting as a reproduction of a master work anywhere you display the painting or use it in advertising.

Hope that helps! :)

[mame]

Verdaccio - why would you want to? (sincere/genuine curiosity)

[Verdaccio]

Originally posted by mame
Verdaccio - why would you want to? (sincere/genuine curiosity)

Hello mame,

Several reasons actually.

- Reproducing an old master work is a wonderful learning experience. A classical realist will do more for their work by reproducing masters than any other activity (IMO).

- By reproducing their work, I better understand HOW they did what they did and can apply those techniques in my original works, making me a better painter.

- You create a connection between yourself and the original master who created the work - yes, it is only in your mind, but it can be a profound thing. I make it a point to read about the artist and research their work and their technique. By the time I am done I feel that I know much more about the artist and how they painted - thereby, I too am enriched.

- There is a definate market for oil reproductions of master works and they sell very well. $$$- thereby, I too am enriched. :D

- I LOVE doing it.

[mame]

Verdaccio - understand the learning/connection/attachment. Have you ever tried to reproduce a Valesquez? He is a god.

Didn't realize there was a viable market for "hand painted" reproductions, though.

Appreciate the enlightenment.

[Verdaccio]

Originally posted by mame
Verdaccio - understand the learning/connection/attachment. Have you ever tried to reproduce a Valesquez? He is a god.

Oh you are so right there - he is a GOD! :) Have not done one of his...yet. :D

Yes, so while I am not saying that reproducing masters is ALL you should do, it can be enlightening, useful, and profitable. :)

[TMoore]

GREAT!!!!

I have penciled in some time starting in late July. I have a 30 X 40 WC panel that I have saved for 4 years for just the perfect painting. I can't wait to get a decent Bouguereau print to work from! His children paintings are great!

I haven't tried any WC projects - Would this make for a great project idea? Artists painting a study of their favorite old master work.

I will check out Valesquez, per your praises. He must be fantastic. I know, my art history ignorance is showing. But I have never had access to great master paintings like this before - Yeah for the internet!:clap:

[mame]

TMoore -

Get thee into the Vortex my child.

[Verdaccio]

Try to find a painting that is at a museum, that way, you can get the phone # of the museum shop. If you call them and tell them what painting you want, chances are that they might have a museum print or poster of the painting - get the best reference you can. If you have a chance, go and see the actual painting in person - bring binoculars and take lots of notes.

In the world of reproduction, the best reference always wins.. :)

[Shirl]

Tammy, there's a Bouquereau painting about 1 1/2 hours from me in a museum. I'm going to make a special trip to see it. I actually like the one you posted in the Portraiture Forum the best. Well, except for the "Countess...." painting--that dress!!!

The ARC site is so inspiring. I'm plain ignorant of art history but because of that site I'm going to catch up. Magnificent, magnificent artists/paintings on that website. Can't thank you enough for directing me there!!

Michael, posters are available from ARC, also.

Shirl

[leesmith]

Hi All,

I too have enjoyed painting an occasional reproduction. Mary Cassatt's La Jeune Fille, and Rembrandt's, A Lion Study. One was a commissioned piece, the other a studio sale Did I achieve anything? I feel I did. I gained some insight into the freedom of brushwork on the Cassatt piece. It still remains one of my favorite pieces. I was amazed that Rembrandt did anything as simplistic as the Lion Study and have a wonderful book on his work. I had an opportunity to see Mary Cassatt's works in person at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh NC, it was a thrill and probably would never have entered my mind to see her exhibit but I became very much interested in her and her work after painting the repro. There have been numerous articles on her, which I have clipped all and even caught a TV movie about her life which was excellent. I have been commissioned to do Renoir's, The Bathers. That will be a real challenge for me; multiple figures and nude at that! Renoir is another fav; he painted "happy" paintings. I learned a lot about mixing colors, strokework, and light and shadow from my attempts at these reproductions.

[m_a_r_t_i_n]

Copying old master works is definitely a good learning tool, but what
you are at best learning essentially, just as if learning to play
the music of some great composer, is to mimic to some extent that
artists handwriting style, when the real genius is infact in the composing.
With enough practice I'm sure I could learn to play and to write down
music quite well, but as far as composing masterpieces goes, no chance!.
Most artists these days who are perhaps to be considered master craftsmen
in there painting skills, for some reason show little in the way of
true mastery as far as artistry in there work (some just copy photographs).
You can also see some good artists yet there work is not that great
simply because they have failed to develop fully the craftsmanship.
The artist and the craftsman are two essential parts of the same being,
to be blessed with genius in both is what makes great masterpieces
stand out from good paintings. The craftsman can be developed through
learning and copying of the old masters (though artists are also generally
better craftsmen), but the artist is something you are born with,
the artist can still be developed to some degree, but unlike the craftsman
the spark is either already there or is never there, and in the case
of true genius like that of Velesques, the flame.

[timelady]

Actually, I like to go to museums and do composition studies of paintings. I take a small sketchpad and pencil or charcoal (something monochrome). Then I zip around rooms for the things that really catch my eye. I try and map out the shapes and lines and how my eye travels over the canvase. Very educational...

Tina.

[bruin70]

why not. i've never seen anyone show a copy in public but who cares. you're not not representing them as yor own....{M}