Friday, May 10, 2013

National Gallery of Art - Day one

I arrived at the National Gallery of Art to begin this artistic endeavor.  I got my Copyist's  Permit and locker where I will be keeping my supplies and store my canvas.  My canvas was measured to make sure it is the required 2 inches larger or smaller than the piece I am copying and then the back of the canvas was stamped indicating approval.  

Then I entered the gallery I would be painting in and set up.  It was daunting...but was very exciting.


First I showed my permit to the guard in the gallery so he could log me in. Then I set up my palette and adjusted the easel, positioned it and began to sketch in the figure.  The painting I am copying is titled "Plum Brandy" by Edouard Manet.  The sketch went pretty well...I found everyone to be very pleasant, friendly and helpful.  


After the initial sketch I began mixing the colors.  This I found particularly challenging.  The palette of colors used by Manet in 1878 is quite different from the tubes of paint I use today.  That coupled with the way the paint may have changed due to environmental issues make it difficult to achieve the same colors...at least for me.  I managed to get colors I was reasonably happy with and blocked in most of the colors.  The aspect ratio of my canvas was not exactly right so I drew lines on each side to narrow it.  Aspect ratio is a term my husband used when I asked him to figure out what size canvas I should order.  I couldn't find anything perfect, so decided to use a 16 x 20 panel and adjust the sides as I needed.  I will cut the panel later if I choose to frame this piece.  


This is a view of my easel and setup with the painting "Plum Brandy" by Eduard Manet in the background.  

My first day went very well.  I was pleased with my progress.  People perusing the gallery were more than generous with their kind comments and asked quite a few questions about my work and the Copyist Program.  I feel I am learning so very much in so many areas of my artistic journey.  I am studying all aspects of painting...the history, techniques, palettes, as well as dealing with people from small children to adults discussing artwork, galleries and anything else you can imagine.  I am looking forward to my next visit.    

11 comments:

  1. Wow Maria I am so impressed. You will learn so much and I know the comments made by those visiting and watching will be invaluable.
    Congratulations!

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  2. Very cool Maria. I never heard of a copyist license. The Cincinnati Art Museum will allow artists in to copy their work other than temporary exhibits. I have done it several times with Ohio Plein Air Society. It is such a fun challenge isn't it? How often will you be doing this? Enjoy!

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    1. I am scheduled to paint every Thursday...it IS a fun challenge!!!

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  3. Fascinating Maria! How wonderful. Did you get to choose the painting? I can't remember: where do you live and are you commuting to the NG or staying nearby. It looks great!
    Nancy

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    1. Yes Nancy, I did get to choose the painting. I submitted three choices and could paint the one that was in a gallery that was available. I do live nearby so I can take the metro to and from. Thanks so much!!! I am thrilled to be a part of this program and plan on taking advantage of it as often as I can!

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  4. Beautiful work, Maria! Such a wonderful challenge!

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  5. Love that you are sharing your set-up. Do you have much to carry with you on the metro? How many hours are you there in a day?

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  6. Maria, this is so interesting. I never knew that there was a copyist permit and you were allowed to do this. What an amazing learning experience. I am so glad that you are sharing this with all of us. Looking forward to hearing and seeing more

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  7. I LOVE this post. Thank you for sharing what you are learning!! Feels like being there with you.

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  8. This is so exciting. I'm so along with you vicariously! The issue of color provokes so many considerations, that is, do you paint it as it presents now or as it potentially was. And theoretically you should be able to mix the color to match the color complete with aging, fading, dirt, etc., but do you want to. Or I should say does one want to. I'm thinking of when The Sistine Chapel was cleaned, it was practically a different painting. Ah where's a nice coffee shop between your house and mine so we can sort these things out!!!! I love it!

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Yayyy!!! Thanks for commenting!