Help with my first copy - Girl With a Pearl Earring.

[Carcharhinus]

Hi guys.

After my current paintings are finished I'm interested in starting my first copy in oils. I know everyone does Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, but it seems relatively straightforward compared to other potential copies. I think I could be pretty accurate with it and still learn a lot along the way. I think of it as my gateway copy.

My question is what colours are generally used to paint it when people copy it in oils? I know the Dutch masters used an earth heavy palette with only a handful of colours but which pigments would I need specifically? Hopefully I can pick what I need up in the next couple of weeks if I don't already have them.

Thanks.

[sidbledsoe]

On this site here, you will find highly detailed information regarding both the girl painting (mouse over the girl for interactive description of each area of the painting) and Vermeer's palette colors and techniques. You may want to sub some of the antique colors that aren't available anymore like weld, etc, with modern colors but most are still around.

[Carcharhinus]

Oh wow. Thanks Sid. That's exactly what I needed.

[sidbledsoe]

Yes, that site is pretty incredible with the amount of information and the dedication to providing us with it, all for free.