Valued Critic

Copying the masters: essential practice or creativity killer?

Some artists swear that copying masterworks is the fastest way to learn — Degas made over 700 copies, and countless illustrators still do master studies to absorb technique and see how the greats solved problems. Others worry it trains you to be derivative, that your early years should be spent finding your own voice instead of walking in someone else's shoes. I go back and forth on this myself: I've learned tons from copying, but I've also seen artists get stuck in that mode and struggle to trust their own ideas.

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Posted 1d ago in Art Debates

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Peter AstorVoted: Essential — it's how every master learned, and it's the shortcut to real skill1d ago

Genius is borne on the backs (or brushes) on those who came before. I have a data base of 2 million paintings to refer to, going back 2,000 years. You’d think you could find a few that lead you to a new idea when you are stuck w/o feeling guilty. Partly what makes a painting good, is its composition. If you borrow that is it still cheating (for those who don’t copy master works?). How about if you turn them upside down, turn them into abstract backgrounds, change colors? Do you think good art is only art that comes from your mind? How about reference photos? Where do you put the line between totally yours vs. borrowing from others? Only you can answer those questions for yourself, but I wouldn’t judge anyone else’s choice (assuming copyright laws are followed).

Tristan Alexander1d ago

Every artist since the fist has copied from something. Been inspired by the works of others. In the Reannaisance Rapahel copied from/was inspired by Michelangelo. To thing that you have to just "get it from your mind" is stupid! Even if you don;t consciously copy/get inspiration from another artist, you still do! If you have seen art you are influencd by it. Photo reference is absolutley required if you can not find/afford models. Copyright laws have fair use wich basically say, if you are not makeing an actual copy and claiming it as your own, you are OK. The best thing is when you use a well known image as a reference and NO ONE sees it in your work.

Donald SmithVoted: Essential — it's how every master learned, and it's the shortcut to real skill1d ago

I have tried it and learned a lot and always learning

WILT2h ago

As long as you make it clear that you do not wish to pass it off as anything but a copy and exhibit it in forums for discussion I fail to see the problem

Diane Farquhar Hallstrom9h ago

I only copy Masters when I actually paint a Homage to them. And, I always add something to the painting that the master didn't have in their work, but rather it's my interpretation of what I might add to the painting that is in line with it. As an homage, I don't feel weird having others look at it because everyone knows it is painted in the spirit of the artist and not a forgery. They can say what they want about it freely. I painted a Homage to Miro, one to Picasso and several other painters and all titles said it was a Homage in the title. Full disclosure. It was a great way to get into the mind of the artist and really study how they painted.

Andrew FairchildVoted: Dangerous — it teaches imitation when you should be building originality from day one9h ago

I can see the value in studying other artists, but I worry that too much copying trains you to look outside yourself for the “right” answer. You can get so used to following someone else’s decisions that you stop trusting your own instincts. For me, learning technique needs to leave room for experimenting, making mistakes, and expressing something without needing it to resemble work you already admire.

James OwensVoted: Fine for private study, but I'd never post one or put it in my portfolio10h ago

I am a huge Ansel Adams follower with black and white photography. I may never accomplish a photo like he did, but I can try to use light as an addition and not the focus of the photo.

Scott MunfordTop ContributorVoted: Essential — it's how every master learned, and it's the shortcut to real skill17h ago

It is a great way to learn technique = then develop your own style