I’m currently teaching a drawing class at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s a short five week class. Every so often I’m really moved by a few great paintings. They inspire me so much to create my own new artwork. So much can be learned from just walking around a museum and really paying attention to certain paintings that attract your eye.

You might want to go “old school” and actually copy a work from an old master. If not in paint well then at least in pencil. The three paintings in this blog entry really caught my attention because two of them were new to the museum. They were really both up my alley. I lectured on two of them. I believe trying to copy any old masters drawing or painting is some of the best old school type of learning you can implement.

Don’t get caught up with the whole copy word. Copy just to learn. Copy to get into the mind of the artist. Try to see things the way they did. This is really how most of the old masters learned so you will be keeping good company.

If you do not have access to a museum at least look for a book with some good quality plates to draw from. Look at lot at the piece that you would like to copy study it in detail. Compare it to your own work. What looks different? Copy with purpose as well. I had my students complete a three value study of some John Singer Sargent paintings. The most important thing I can leave you with is do not try to be perfect. Just have fun.