I recently started a new watercolor class here in Atlanta and was given a new challenge this week: to reproduce a John Singer Sargent piece. His paintings are unbelievable and the subjects he chooses take you on a trip around the world. Check out his watercolor paintings here:
http://tiny.cc/pkR39 I think he might be my new favorite artist! Needless to say after 3 hours slaving away trying to reproduce his piece "Doorway to a Venetian Palace" http://tiny.cc/z6v5r
I am reminded of how much I still have to learn. The experience was blissful, however. Trying to recreate his bold brushstrokes was liberating. There's a pretty good bio of his life on Wikipedia if you are interested in learning mroe about him. He travelled the world, spoke 4 languages, and caused enough scandal to actually leave Paris and move to London. Good stuff.
Someone recently told me that a professional logs 10,000 hours of practice before they are considered a professional. I figure I'm good for about 1,000 so far at least for my 31.5 years! This week I've logged 5 hours drawing and painting so far and will get at least another 5 in this weekend hopefully. I'm seeing progress now which is all I ask for. My figure drawing class is turning out far better sketches than the ones I did in London 2 years ago. Who knows maybe I will even post some here... AND I have a new interest in portrait painting. But more on that later.
sargent is amazing! he is truly one of my favorite painters! i am more familiar with his portraits in oil than his watercolors though. the way he applies the paint is masterful, you can tell he was practically throwing the paint on the canvas! sorry i get really excited about paint application, blame art school:)
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