Copying the work of a master painter, as I have been doing with Edward Seago (and others) of late in watercolor, is a time-honored tradition in learning how to do things. There is a lot to be learned while doing a master copy, and doing a master copy imprints itself on the copy-ist in many ways. Search “why make a master copy” on the internet, and you will find a million bazillion results.
Here are some reasons from Cecile Yadro’s website:
- Beat the art block
- Develop your skills
- Get creative inspiration
- Learn to self-critique
- Improve your observation skills
- Develop patience and focus
- Develop muscle memory
- Build confidence
These are all great reasons, and some you may not even expect, such as muscle memory! For me, these are salient reasons, and even more importantly, open my mind up to a way of doing things and seeing things that I probably never have otherwise considered. By nature, I am not analytical but reactive – patience is not one of my virtues and frustration is not something I like reacting to. As a kid, well, let’s just say my inability to handle frustration made me the “bad” child!
Watercolor master copies are easy enough to do, as is with any water-based medium which dries quickly. I say “easy” because once done, I can scan them and look at them, and critique them more objectively. I see things I miss when looking at a non-digitized painting. (Need to work on that!) Oil painting, though, is a different story. Oils you can paint over, you can use quick-drying mediums, you can take forever to decide something is finally “done”. I have been working on three oil paintings, master copies of three different artists: Erin Hanson, Michael Chamberlain, and Maggie Siner.
Today let’s learn a bit about Erin Hanson.
I first came across the work of Erin Hanson about 3 years ago. Cruising through who knows what, I found her site and learned that she created a painting style called “Open Impressionism” which, as her website states, “continues the work of impressionists and post-impressionists.” It does insofar of the radical use of color to capture light and movement. There is a freshness here that I rather like, and the bright colors appeal to me. Her ability to create good composition is evident, too, and these make for attractive paintings. Below is a lengthy YouTube video which will acquaint you with her work:
YouTube has a number of videos by and about Hanson. Explore at your will. As well, check out her portfolio of paintings on her website – you can see her evolution over time as well as decide for yourself if you like her style. As with any artist, some paintings will appeal to you more than others.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I can see why Hanson’s work appeals so much. Her expert compositional skills and use of color are stellar. I do like her style.
I like her style, too, Laura Kate. I see you are also following Shari Blaukopf, too! Saw your comment there . . . she’s another fantastic artist.
Her paintings are great compositions, and skillfully rendered, but I’m not a fan of the over saturated style, reminds me of HDR photography which I wasn’t a fan of either. But that’s OK, I’m sure she’s not worried about what I think!
Fraggy, I agree with you about the compositions – really good. Her earlier work – which is on page 23 of her portfolio! – are more contained with the color but still very dynamic. Like with any artist, the viewer decides what is good and not. HDR is fine if subtle but garish far too often!