Copying Masters Works

Sometimes I see a masters work that I love and must copy. In my opinion copying great paintings is a learning experience that improves my own sense of design. Here are some of my copies of Masters works I've done in the past few years. Some I did on my own while others I did at Paul Peregal's Masters Class at the Victoria College of Art (Also known as the Bank Street School).  I highly recommend this course and the Bank Street School overall. If you study art there you will leave with great drawing and painting skills. They also have an illustration and animation program. (I would really like to do animation). When I studied there I felt like I had entered an Ashram of Art Creation. If you haven't been there do check it out. Even the building is wonderful. It's a very old school with 15 foot ceilings and windows. In the winter they cover the windows with bubble wrap to keep the heat in. This makes it feel rather like an aquarium.

The Oil Change

View from my car when I got my oil change.

Here's a sketch I did from inside my car at my last oil change at Jiffy on Douglas). Having my car serviced is a very stressful event for me because I don't have a mechanic I know and trust yet. I had Glen from the Esso on Menzies Street a few years ago but he's gone and I can't find where he moved. (It just occurred to me that I could hire a private investigator to find him. Would that be weird?)

I bought this amazing 2004 Pontiac Sunfire a few years ago. It was a private sale and it had less than 25000km. It has $50000km now. I want it always to be reliable and to last forever. (Yep, I'm gonna be driving this in the vintage car parade when I'm 105). So I go through the manual and look for the manufacturer recommended service. Then I do a lot of online research. Then I ask everybody I know what they think. I journal a lot about it and even meditate on the whole thing. Then I go to a place like Jiffy and spend like 3 times more than I should. I just don't want to skimp and regret it.

What about tires? Mine look like new and they always check them when I go for an oil change. Of course they're not worn down at all because I only have 50000clicks on them. But do tires have a "best before" date regardless of their use. I mean they're rubber? Doesn't rubber dry out and begin to crumble in time even without use.

Barb Lacing Her Skates

Tonight I went ice skating at the Empress. Here's a quick sketch I did of my friend Barb lacing her skates. 

The Critique

Here are some sketches I did at a critique yesterday. The critiqued was very expressive with her hand gestures. Fun.

The Critique

Musicians at the Memorial

Christmas Parade sketch

Here's a sketch I did at a Santa parade a few years ago. I'm feeling the Christmas Spirit and am considering turning it into a painting. 

Star Gazer Lilies, 15x22, Watercolour

I painted this a ways back from life. I love stargazers especially because of their intoxicating fragrance.

Wild Clematis, 15x22, watercolour

I discovered these wonderful wild flowers by the edge of a mountain stream in the East Kootenays. It was such a magical place with dappled shade and a family of deer resting nearby while I sketched these flowers. I really felt the spirit of the woods that day.

Bachelor Buttons

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I love painting flowers in jars. The jar often turns out better than the rest just because I actually have to suspend my own ideas and paint what I actually see. I paint all my flowers from life.

Botanical Watercolour

Here's a botanical painting I did in PEI. I don't know what plant it is (lady's slipper?). Please lead a comment if you can identify. My little forest was abundant with these. 

Wild Irises

Here's another Wild Iris Painting I did en plein air while sitting in a kayak in Prince Edward Island.

Wild Iris

These beautiful irises grow wild by a tidal pond in Prince Edward Island. I painted it while sitting in a kayak in East Point.

Maple Leaf Study

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Maple Leaf