Valta's Blog | valta.nl

  Studying  I believe that practice is the best form of learning, and master copying is the most effective to practice while studying. Since we always (aspire to) learn, I find that copying a masterpiece that inspires you is an excellent method to achieve this.  In essence, master copying is not about creating perfect replicas; instead, it's about gaining a deeper understanding of artistic principles and techniques. It's a valuable tool for any artist seeking to improve their skills and expand their knowledge.  From time to time, I will update this post with my new master copies. Here is the latest one: After the "Emma Zorn Reading, 1887" by Anders Zorn. An alla prima master copy in oil on canvas 30 x 40 cm. View the finished version in my  gallery . After the Portrait of Frans Erens by Isaac Israels. An alla prima master copy in oil on cardboard 20 x 15 cm. View the finished version in my  gallery .

Studying   The story follows soon  Self-portrait. Alla prima, oil on panel 40 x 30 cm. View the finished painting in my  gallery . 

  Back to Hands This time, not my own hands but a study in black and white after a picture (actually a still from a reel) by an unknown to me author. I wanted to explore whether and how it is possible to combine a monochrome image with a colorful detail in oil paint. Cheers! Let's sarcastically call it "In Whisky Veritas". Alla prima, oil on canvas 24 x 30 cm. View the finished painting in my  gallery . 

   Two Rooms at Two Castles These two paintings were done entirely with palette knives, without the use of brushes. While recently re-reading the famous book "Alla Prima" by Richard Schmid , I came across his advice to practice more with a palette knife. This idea seemed both fantastic and daunting at the same time:   "...There is no limit to what can be done with a knife. The best way I know of to learn how to use it is to lock away your brushes for several weeks and paint only with a knife. I warn you that it will be extremely frustrating at first, but don't give up. The difficulty is normal. If you haven't used a knife before, you will feel like you are crippled - like a right-hander doing everything with the left hand or vice versa. However, it is worth every ounce of pain and effort. The ability to use a knife well is like having a whole new language..." So, I needed to try it out, and I must say, it is not only tricky and frustrating but also great fun...