Master Copy Practice with Francisco Galárraga
Class | Available
This class explores the longstanding artistic practice of learning through master copies, through Portrait and Narrative Painting. The goal of the class is to have 2 master copy studies realized by the end of the 10 week term. Through close observation and sustained practice, students will gain practical insights into painting techniques and artistic problem-solving across different periods and traditions.
The first master copy will be a portrait, and will begin with an on-site visit to the National Portrait Gallery. Students will analyze the museum's collection of paintings to better understand composition, color relationships, brushwork, and pictorial structure by sketching on location and choosing one work to copy for the first part of the course.
The next 3 sessions will take place at WSS, where participants will create a focused copy of their selected portrait in the medium of their choice. On week 5, we shall visit the National Gallery of Art, to choose a more complex painting as a second master copy to finish during the remaining weeks. The student can choose to do more copies, depending on their skill level.
For the first day of class, we will meet at the National Gallery (instructions will be sent). Please bring a small sketchbook and pencil/paper/ballpoint pen (for rapid sketching and note-taking).
For studio work, please use this supply list as a recommended list; https://www.dickblick.com/myaccount/wishlist/3H5AD8X2LOU4H/
Students are encouraged to use oil paint, but the class is open to other mediums as well (such as acrylic, watercolor, even dry media).
Students may bring whatever supplies they wish. Paper palettes are accepted but glass palettes (and a palette scraper) are strongly encouraged.
Francisco Galárraga
Learn about your instructor & more on our faculty page!