Artist copies question!

[Lisa Clark]

I have a question about artist copies. I did this last night sitting next to my 9 year old son, just chatting while he did the cutest little dragons in watercolor.

Do I need to be more concerned about getting the medium just right? This does NOT look that much like the original. How are you doing that @Jeremy-Ross? I have a Wacom tablet but I feel like I every time I try to use it my abilities with a tablet are what are holding me back, so I end up fudging on the medium for copies while going traditional. It seems with digital I would be able to get much closer to any artist.

[AngelinaKizz]

@lisa-clark
Getting a sketch to look just like the reference, takes a ton of practice. And with practice, your Wacom will also become more natural to use. You did a nice job with your copy. Just remember, copies are for personal practice and growth, so it’s not as much the end result that matters, but what you pick up along the way,.

[Lisa Clark]

@angelinakizz I remember Lee White talking about taking notes about a list of things while doing artist copies. I will try that next time. Thank you for your reply! I will try to remember that the end result of the copy is not why I'm doing it in the first place.

[Jeremy Ross]

Hi @lisa-clark, your study is great!

Even a quick a colored pencil sketch like yours will open your eyes to composition and flat colors (local) to help you learn.

For example, provided below is another Dan Santat study in my sketchbook.

I’m not familiar with WACOM Tablet, but I try my hardest to copy colors and painting style, pencil marks, etc., using my iPad with Procreate. If I remember, I try to create a layer with just notes to refer to later when I’m curious how I did It.

There’s no wrong way to study the masters, just do what feels right and enjoy the process of learning. Value studies are also great!

Finally, my daughter (11) and I have recently created a weekly ritual to speed paint Coco Melon while the 2min episode song and episode are on. Basically, she picks the subject and we draw quick! Here’s a few examples below. It’s a fun way to practice, plus it keeps her baby sister entertained too!

[Lisa Clark]

@jeremy-ross Thank you! That helps! I will keep at it. During 3PP they were talking about master studies and how they would required to have perfect copies in art school. I think that has just made me kind of frozen. I may just have to to write a note to myself that it doesn't have to be perfect to be helpful.

It is a great idea to make that a part of everyday life and a routine to do with your kids. I want to find a way to fit that in with my kiddos. I might be stuck drawing elsa and anna constantly though.