National Gallery of Art - Girl Arranging Her Hair after Mary Cassatt

Girl Arranging Her Hair  (After Mary Cassatt)

22 x 26

Oil on Canvas

Here she is...my version of Mary Cassatt's "Girl Arranging Her Hair."  I am pleased with how it turned out though I could have tinkered with it for another couple of weeks.  I learned a lot painting this piece.  I learned a lot about Mary Cassatt.  I especially liked that she paid close attention to everything in her compositions...nothing was gratuitous or superfluous...everything had a reason for being included.  My process included painting in everything just to get it all in place.  I then concentrated on brush strokes.  The nightgown was painted with lots of paint and rough strokes...a lot of texture.  

Here you can see the original and my version.  The lighting is not always stellar so mine looks much lighter...but it is not.  There is sunlight coming from the huge ceiling windows and it varies according to cloud cover.  I can be painting merrily when a cloud passes overhead and the room darkens...it can really throw you off.  A small price to pay for being a part of this wonderful program.  

Here I am in action.  A dear friend and fellow artist, Lydia, stopped by and snapped a few photos of me hard at work.  As always, comments were varied, numerous and complimentary.  Kids always want to know why I would paint something that is already painted...they are so inquisitive.  I love getting their perspective on the artwork that surrounds us.  

I applied to remove my painting from the gallery...I handed my paperwork to the guard, he checked the canvas and made sure the numbers matched and OK'd my request.  One more copy completed.  I have begun research and am trying to decide which piece to copy next.  So many paintings so little time!!!

National Gallery of Art - Copyist program - Girl Arranging Her Hair by Mary Cassatt

Things are going well at the National Gallery of Art.  I am continuing my work on "Girl Arranging Her Hair" by Mary Cassatt.  I am nearing the end and I think one more Friday will do it.  I hope to complete her on this Friday's session. I did a lot of detail work today...the wallpaper, darkened the furniture and worked on the background.  I still have to refine the whole thing.  I think I will try to use a palette knife to finish the lights on the night gown...the strokes seem to be pretty rough so hopefully that will do the trick.

Walking towards the gallery to begin, I was called over by one of the guards.  He said "Let me see that painting"...I, of course, obliged.  He then proclaimed "Ah, Mary Cassatt...she would be proud"!   Can you tell it was a perfect day???  What a great way to begin!  As always, people were very inquisitive, but very polite and respectful.   The kids are always the most fun. Their questions are priceless...I especially like when they ask me if I painted the one on the wall too.  One little one asked me if I was a famous artist...;)  No...not famous...just an artist...a very, very happy artist.    

Girl Arranging Her Hair by Mary Cassatt. Copying at the National Gallery of Art

Girl Arranging Her Hair by Mary Cassatt

I am continuing my fantastic voyage reproducing "Girl Arranging Her Hair" by Mary Cassatt, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.  After setting up, the challenge began.  Painting the facial features was first on my agenda.  The angle of the head...the nose...eyes and lips all seemed to elude my eye and it seemed I was going down fast without a life vest...but then a glimmer of hope...the features started to fall into place.  Painting shapes instead of features led me to a reasonable likeness.  I am sure Mary Cassatt was worried...but I hope she is feeling better now.  I know I am.  There is still much to do...but I am excited...and anxious for next friday to arrive!

Comments today were numerous and generous to say the least!  One little girl about 5 years old could not figure out why I would want to paint a painting that had already been done.  She asked a dozen questions.  A two and one half year old just kept asking "why"...every time I said anything.  And there were various and as sundry "Atta girls" which I always appreciate.  There were a lot of what I call "close watchers"  People who want to see what is going on...up close and personal.  Two people tripped on my stool.  That is when I have to step back and take a break.  And...as I was leaving the guard told me I was doing a good job...so smiling I left the gallery...anxious to get back next Friday.