I have never copied another artist's painting even though I know that this is a great way to learn. I am taking an online class with Marla Bagetta. One of her monthly lessons is to copy a master's work and "Margot in Orange" was one that she expertly demonstrated. I couldn't resist giving one of Mary Cassatt's paintings a try.

 

Mary Cassatt was an American Impressionist artist. I admire the storytelling in her images and the way she applies pastel.

 

I used Lux Archival paper which is white. I decided to tone it with a light wash of Golden's Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold fluid acrylic because it appeared that Cassatt used a warm toned paper. I love this paper. There is no buckling when applying liquids.

 

When the paper was completely dry, I used a grid and my proportional divider to do a drawing. I drew with a dark blue pastel pencil.

 

 

Take a break after your drawing. I did and when I came back I realized immediately that her left arm needed to be moved. So, I double checked placement, proportions, and angles with the proportional divider.

 

Then I did a block in using colors that I saw Mary used in her painting. I had this image on 3 different monitors and a print out. All of them were different in color. Here is the block in.

 

 

I know. It looks crazy but there is a lot of blue and green in the skin. I was trying to keep in mind what is in the light and what is in the shadow. Then I gradually built up the image with more soft pastel paying close attention to Mary Cassatt's mark making which was great fun for me. It is necessary to keep redrawing as you paint.

 

I always intend on taking more photos but I get into the process and I forget. So, here is the completed painting, a 14 x 11 in pastel. This is roughly half the size of Mary Cassatt's original painting.

 

 

I highly recommend doing this type of thing to learn. Pick an artist you admire and imitate them. Try that artist's choice of color and mark making. Pay attention to the composition. You may learn new things to incorporate in your own work. I also worked on my drawing skills in this piece and had great fun!

 

Until next time, happy painting!

Sue and Suzy, the artist with the split personality

www.sueflanagan.com