Do a study from a Master's painting. Working from an original painting at an art museum would be best (permission must be granted) but you can also use a photo from one of your art books or magazines or surf the internet for your favorite painting. Be aware of copyright infringement, however, and only do a study from paintings dated before 1923 “…any work of art published before 1923 is in the public domain; and many works published beween 1923 and 1978 remain in copyright today.” (see U.S. Copyright Law – http://www.copyright.gov).

An artist can sell their painting studies but should sign the painting by including the name of the Master Artist (i.e., “Ramona Dooley copy after Frederick Frieseke”). 

The two paintings on this blog were done for educational purposes. My first study (shown above) was American Impressionist, Frederick Carl Frieseke’s, “Garden Parasol” (1910).  

I am inspired by many of the American Impressionists but Frieseke’s “Garden Parasol” is one of my favorite paintings. Although the blue tea set on the table is not the focal point of this painting, it reminds me of my grandmother’s tea set. In 1910, my grandmother could have posed as one of the “Garden Parasol” women.

I have plans to do a series of paintings using my grandmother's tea set including some indoor still life and outdoor table scenes influenced by Frieseke’s painting.

The second painting I did (shown below) was a study of “Le Cage Ensoleillee” (The Birdcage) (the photo I used did not include the entire painting) by Richard Edward Miller, who is another splendid Master Impressionist. I just love the vibrant red shawl, the colorful dress and the painterly way he “suggested” the bird in the cage!

So get those paints and brushes out of your closet and Learn How to Paint – Copy a Master!