Here is my version of Lady Agnew by John Singer Sargent. To copy a old master or some famous painting from the past is a great way to learn technique and somewhat experience the way in which that artist saw his or her world. Some art instructors see copying as always negative for students. I don't think so! It can be an exercise that enriches one's own artistic abilities and creativity along with helping to better understand art history. Copying and trying to figure out the artist's techniques builds into our own art making experiences.
This particular study is quite small around 5"*7", completed in watercolor, much of it done in dry brush. I started the sketch with my iPad using Procreate app. After I drew the image, which was basically scribble technique, I printed it on regular printing paper, not expecting to do much with it. But I decided to begin washes of light color. That turned into a full blown miniature painting, using techniques I would use on an oil painting. I built up layers of color with thick white watercolor paint much like guache. The exercise was very fruitful for me as I experienced in a very small way painting Lady Agnew. Along with reading about this particular work and the story behind it I feel as though I participated in some way with it.
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