IN PRAISE OF COPYING

In my time at art school life drawing was a compulsory discipline that left me struggling. My tutor advised me to copy Michaelangelo drawings from a Phaidon Press book in the College library. What a challlenge! I fear I did not get much from them - I failed to notice Michaelangelo's preparatory search lines where he was seeking out the form of a figure. Only later as I learned to 'see' did I come to really understand his method. Once the penny dropped, so to speak, I've made a regular practice of copying. My sketchbooks are punctuated with copies of Rembrandt ink and wash drawings that he made in the countryside around Amsterdam and Degas' late pastels. I found I was in good company when I came across John Ruskin's 'The Elements of Drawing'. He included fine pen drawings by Rosetti as examples - so I tried my hand at those. Copying or notetaking from the work of good artists is a good way to learn - no need to have a tutor at your elbow. Of course I never frame these studies to exhibit - though I have to confess a friend admired a copy of a Raphael chalk drawing I'd done so I gave it to him. I was flattered to see he'd framed it and it was hanging in the hallway of his house. I liked the compliment but to have asked money for it would have taken the pleasure from what was a gift. So my advice - for what it's worth - is if you have a quiet moment don't scribble but copy a great master.