When confronted with a spectacular piece of artwork, many may be tempted to emulate it by merely copying what they see in front of them. This can lead to disappointment, however, because it will seldom turn out as desired. Even if you were to trace the piece in question, it would still lack a certain something, because the fault lies not in the skill of the copier, but in the lack of understanding of the original artist's method.
In the time of the Great Masters, renowned artists would take apprentices and train them for years to paint in their style. If you would like to paint in the style of a classic or current artist, even a minimum amount of study will help you understand and not only copy an artist's existing work, but also create new works in that style. Here are some tips for emulating your favorite artists.
Instructions
1. Look at an artist's entire body of work instead of just a single piece. This will give you a better idea of the subjects and themes she's worked with over her career. Many times an artist will gravitate to certain ideas or iconography, such as Georgia O'Keefe's floral imagery. Viewing work in chronological order will show a progression of skill over time, the introduction of new ideas and refined techniques.
2. Research who influenced the artist. For instance, Erte is said to have been influenced by the Fauvist and Cubist movements which can be seen in his use of bright colors and a slight abstraction in his Art Deco period designs. Knowing what has come before will help you understand why an artist makes certain choices in composition and execution.
3. Use the same materials the artist you are emulating used, whenever possible. Copying a work originally done in oil with watercolors is seldom going to give you the results you desire. In the future, you can change your medium to fit your own interpretation of a style, but starting from the same aisle in the art store will make your task easier. This will also help align your color palettes to those of the original.
4. Examine the politics of the era in which the artist worked. Diego Rivera was very passionate about current events and politics, the influences of which can be seen in his murals. Religion is also a hot-bed topic for artists to work around, as well as personal challenges such as illness or family history.
5. Once you've identified certain patterns or common elements, take several works and break them down piece by piece. Make some sketches of the central elements, breaking them down into basic shapes, before moving onto paints. If it helps at first to use tracing paper to get the feel of the composition, go ahead, but try to move away from that crutch as soon as you're comfortable.
