John Singer Sargent Landscape Video.

• Home
• Gallery
• Drawing
• Painting
• My Videos
• Resources
• Art Careers
• Latest Updates

***master-course-leftnav.shtml***

If your paintings are lacking or unexciting, doing some master copies can help.

In this video, we're going to study a painting by John Singer Sargent and learn how to paint it. We're not going to worry about putting in too much detail but rather trying to get a good impression of the painting. You can work longer and put in more detail if you like.

Don't worry too much about color accuracy. When looking at an image on screen, then going to print, then setting it up in your studio, then photographing it and putting it online, a lot can happen to change the colors slightly. I also like to let a bit of my own technique show through.

This video is a complete walkthrough of the painting. It lasts around two hours. Don't worry, I'll give you some notes at the end to help you out.

So, let's get started.

Here is what the original painting by John Singer Sargent looks like just for reference:

You might notice a little bit more blue and some other color differences in my painting. That's because printing it out and seeing it in a studio will make it look a little different. So, don't worry about getting it "perfect." Just have fun and enjoy the process. Let your own style show through.

Here is my color palette for reference:

Here is the video.

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

Okay, so now let me give you some notes to help you with the painting and to help you put these techniques to work for you from now on.

Here is my finished painting:

When you study an old master like John Singer Sargent or any artist, the point isn't to just copy their work. You want to study it and learn from it so you can use these skills from now on in all your work.

This was a fairly quick master copy. I could have easily spent a few hours on it. The most I've spent so far on an old master copy is between 20 to 30 hours. You really don't need to spend that much time though because you don't have to copy every detail.

All you really have to do it make it look "good enough," and you will get a lot out of it. In fact, working quickly and not putting in too much detail can help you loosen up your style and make it more expressive.

Copying the paintings of old masters is a great way to become a better painter. It takes your mind off of "translating" a photo or real life into a painting and lets you copy the colors and brushstrokes of that artist.

Copy more than one artist so you can be well rounded and develop your own style. And remember, always have fun with it. It should never feel like a chore.

Congratulations, you have completed this lesson and have taken one more step toward becoming a successful artist. Now is the time to practice what you have learned so it becomes natural. Soon, this will all become easier and more fun.

Follow up:

In my complete art course, I have master copies videos of paintings by Cezanne, Monet, and Thomas Moran. I also have videos that study the composition of old master paintings.

I don't study these paintings just to "copy" them. I study them so I can get more ideas such as new ways to use color or composition in my own work.

Studying successful paintings can help guide you out of a rut. We tend to get stuck in our own ways and can't see past our faults. Copying a master work can free your mind for a moment, and when you come back to doing your own work, you have a fresh perspective.

< Return to My Videos.

Home | Need Art Supplies? | Art Books and Videos | Build a Website