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: May 2025 After J.C. Leyendecker painting "Couple on Deck Chairs. 1904" I have been fascinated by the works and biography of this great Golden Age artist for a long time. Recently, I finally read a beautiful book titled simply, "J.C. Leyendecker", written by Laurence S. Cutler and Judy Goffman Cutler. His name and influence were most prolific; his private life...

Studying   "Are you so in love with yourself that you paint self-portraits?" "I won't paint myself; people might think I am too proud." Have you ever heard comments like those? Well, I certainly have.  Practising is what really important to develop your painting skills. As I now begin exploring portraiture, I need to practice painting heads, figures, and faces as much as I can.  Making master copies of the works by painters you admire is a great way to learn. However, at a certain point, you need to create your own work, preferably painting a model with whom you have a personal or emotional connection. While we all have family and friends, there is little chance they would spend hours sitting for you in the light and setting you would want to capture. Sometimes, you are lucky enough to take or find a photograph of them that fits your portrait plans.  That's if you are lucky. What if not? Fortunately, there is a brilliant and simple solution: a self-portrait....

  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...