Before and After by an Old Masters Academy student
When I saw Vermeer’s girl for the first time on my travel to Europe, in summer 2014, I promised myself I would have this painting in my possession. As there is no chance to get the original, obviously, I decided to make an exact copy of it.
Here’s what I managed to paint. I did my best, but the result was miserable and so inadequate for the invested efforts.
My frustration was enormous. I could not believe that I couldn’t even make a copy of such a simple portrait. I took the copy to my college and asked for advice on how to improve it. My teacher suggested printing an image and transferring it onto a canvas, then painting over it in oils or acrylic.
I quit college next term, but I kept it a secret, because my uncle paid for the college.
This is my new copy of the Vermeer. I would not get the same effects without the knowledge I got from the Old Masters Academy.
In this course, I have learned so many new things about oil painting techniques that were never mentioned during all that time I spent in an art college. My college teachers never told me about imprimatura, dead colors, glazings… I wonder if they knew these things.
I’m working on Vermeer’s “Milkmaid” right now. This is a commission, and I would like to paint it even more like the original. As soon as I complete an underpainting, I will share it with you.
After the copy of Vermeer, I plan to start my own multi-figure scenes.
Thank you, Natalie, for your wonderful video lessons that helped me so much!
Learn time-honored oil painting techniques of the Old Masters!
What you will get:
- Instant access to all 60 multi-part video lessons
- A lifetime membership
- Personal coaching by the course tutor
- Constructive critiques of your artworks
- Full access to the Art Community
- Exhibition space in the Students Gallery
- Members-only newsletters and bonuses
- Old Masters Academy™ Diploma of Excellence
How you will benefit:
The Old Masters Academy™ course is very comprehensive, yet totally beginner friendly. All you need to do is watch video lessons one by one and use what you’ve learned in your creative projects. You will discover painting techniques of the Old Masters. This is the best art learning experience you can have without leaving your home. All information is delivered online, including personal support by the course tutor.
Deirdre Walsh says
Thank you so much.
I find it fascinating seeing the two versions. The original has an innocence the new one has a distinct sophistication and almost multi-cultural aspect.
Very much of today.
I have studied all my life the humanness of us and have made sculpture and drawings and now paintings, of my own unique thoughts about us humans.
Now I’m obsessed with learning more about the beautiful traditions I was denied through Art School and Uni.
Thank you.
Linda James says
I adore Vermeer. He’s my favorite painter. I’m currently working on a copy of this painting as well! What a coincidence! I’m only halfway through the painting; if I’m happy with the outcome, I’ll post a “before and after” photos as well.
I’ve tried doing Vermeer copies before. Nothing worked for me because I didn’t understand how glaze works. It turns out that you need to know how to paint everything in layers to achieve the Old Master’s effects. Thank you for showing me how to create beautiful paintings using the same techniques as the Old Masters.
I’d also like to enroll in your anatomy course because I admire your instructors.
Sandra says
I am fascinated with this course. Thank you for the opportunity to buy it at discounted price.
gilberto Mello says
Hi, I hope you did not follow your teacher’s recommendation of printing image on canvas and painting over it… this is like exactly what you should not do if you want to learn proper techniques in drawing and painting. I went to college-like art schools, too, my experience was the same as yours, frustration and waste of money. We all need good teachers, there are many in the world but they don’t generally teach in colleges. Continue your progress here, perhaps even attending a good atelier training as well in the future. Good luck.
Diana Carey says
I am an art model and I have worked worked with colleges and universities in Los Angeles for 25 years; both public and private. The teachers and professors were excellent, not all colleges or courses are bad.