Thursday, February 20, 2014

Masked Ball at the Opera by Edouard Manet - Copied at the National Gallery of Art

Masked Ball at the Opera
by Edouard Manet
Copied by Maria Bennett Hock
National Gallery of art
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

The is the final version of my copy of this painting.  I believe I have taken it as far as I can.  I have certainly learned a lot.  A lot about mixing blacks and shades of black, angles of hats, positioning of figures and, of course, the importance of a sound foundation before beginning detail work.  

Manet sketched this scene on site.  He finished it in his studio often asking people he knows to pose for him. It is also believe that Manet is featured in this piece.  He is one of the top-hatted party attendees looking towards the viewer.  A final bit of trivia is the signature…it is located on the dance card that has fallen to the floor in the lower right of the piece.  

As I study the masters and their techniques and really delve into the details of individual paintings I am amazed at all I find out.  I cannot wait to begin my next piece.


8 comments:

  1. Just amazing! What an accomplishment! Will you be able to paint another top hat any time soon?

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    1. Probably won't be painting any top hats soon! hahaha!! Thanks for the kind words!

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  2. Maria this is absolutely beautiful. I hope you hang it in a place of prominence in your home. Job well done. You should be very proud of this work.

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    1. Thanks so much Nancy. I do plan on getting a frame for it...it makes me smile to think of the journey!

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  3. Outstanding work, Maria. A beautiful scene which you captured perfectly!! I look forward to your next copy work!!! Soon I'll be copying another Rembrandt....I think its such a great practice...

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    1. Thanks so much Hilda! I look forward to seeing your Rembrandt!

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Yayyy!!! Thanks for commenting!