National Gallery of Art - Masked Ball at the Opera

Well, it looks like I have done precious little, but I worked for four hours today.  I had some struggles.  I initially sketched in the scene with a DARK watercolor pencil.  I usually just sketch in with my brush and a light neutral paint but really wanted to get the details so I decided to go with the pencil.  As I painted today the colors kept getting tainted by the watercolor pencil sketch and all my colors got muddy.  It was very frustrating.  I still have a long way to go, but will just be careful with my strokes to try not to mix with the pencil too much.  I didn't notice it last week because because I used dark colors all day long.  This week as I worked on the walls and light sconces it was quite a challenge.  Ah, well, I am here to learn!  

And here is the obligatory action shot…

The gallery was nice and quiet today.  I worked in peace most of the day.  One woman did ask if I wanted it to look like the original…huh????  Whadda ya think???  

Beatrice Townsend after John Singer Sargent at the National Gallery of Art

Beatrice Townsend

After John Singer Sargent

NFS

This is my progress so far on Beatrice Townsend by John Singer Sargent.  I am painting at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC participating in the Copyist program..  I am really have a great time.  My day began by re-assessing placement of the facial features, neck and the size of the puppy.  I figured out the dog's head was not bit enough so I made that bigger.  Adjusted the sash a bit and then tackled the facial features.  I knew the mouth was too high...but I remained in denial all day long...I kept thinking that it was OK.  Then just before quitting time I fixed it.  I knew I would never be happy with it...so down it went.  

I still have quite a bit to do...finishing.  The white collar needs detail and the necklace has to be repositioned a bit and some dimension added to it.  

No joke of the week this week.  Everyone was very quiet.  I don't know whether it was because I had to concentrate on features so much that I didn't interact or the heat got to everyone and they were just too hot and tired!  The highlight of the day was a little boy around seven or so who walked by...smiled...and gave me a thumbs up!  

Here I am diligently working away...you can see how empty the gallery was today!!!  So unusual!

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.    

National Gallery of Art Copyist Program - Plum Brandy

I have applied for and been accepted into the copyist program at the National Gallery of Art on the National Mall in Washington DC.  The copyist program allows artists to reproduce some of the Master artists’ work in a controlled and monitored environment.  It is a great way to grow as an artist.  My goal is to copy some of my favorites, John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Monet...the list goes on.  

I chose a day to work...Thursday...and then I chose a piece of artwork to work from.  If available I can begin.  My plan is to begin on May 9th, to paint a piece called “Plum Brandy” by Edouard Manet, assuming it is available.  That may change.

From the website here is the official explanation...

http://www.nga.gov/education/volunteer.shtm

“The National Gallery of Art copyist program has been in operation since the Gallery opened in 1941. A permit issued by the registrar's office is required for copying works of art in oil or any other liquid medium. The Gallery provides permit holders with an easel, stool, and drop cloth; private easels are not allowed. Visitors may sketch with pencils or other dry media in the galleries without a permit.

To participate in the copyist program, applicants must meet all requirements outlined in the National Gallery of Art "Rules Governing the Copying of Works of Art" and agree to an interview and a security background check; they must acknowledge in writing their acceptance of the rules. 

The issue of a copyist permit does not in any way constitute the National Gallery of Art's endorsement of a copyist's work.”

I will post my progress...

This is my first sketch of "Plum Brandy."  One of the things I really like about this piece is the feeling it gives me.  It is portraying loneliness.  It is a young woman in a cafe.  I don't know why she was there, but the painting makes me feel her solitude.   I love artwork that resonates a feeling.  

I love painting figures and love portraying emotion so this is a perfect start for my National Gallery of Art endeavor.  

Plumb Brandy

Edouard Manet

Here is the original.  After I sketched the piece a couple of times I worked with colors and just worked to match the color of the dress and background.  I noticed how similar the colors of the the dress, skin tones, and table top are.  I have been working on mixing the colors and getting ready for my first visit as a copyist to the National Gallery of Art.