This afternoon I spent time copying a painting by my friend, Jack. His style could not be more different from mine. He often works very large, mostly in acrylic, and always from imagination. He strives to spontaneously capture the effects of light upon the landscape.
I almost always work from my own photos, or from life. I tend to paint people or objects, rarely landscapes. I rarely invent any subject, and seldom use such a light palette. But I like his work, admire his willingness to invent as he goes along, and appreciate his generosity with criticism and advice. He was leading a class this week in which he encouraged students to use large brushes, and bold strokes, so I decided to see if I could come close to his style. Except I worked in my quiet studio, using my recycled mat board and water mixable oils and cold wax medium. Not so bad, even though the idea was his, not mine. Sometimes it helps to try out other subjects and styles, and it stirs up the "little gray cells."
At least I hope so.
