30SAL Challenge: Memory of an Artwork

Today’s memory challenge is to study an artwork done by a skilled artist. It can be a sculpture, rough sketch, finished drawing, painting, or print. For simplicity in this post, I’ll be using the word “draw,” but you are not restricted to drawings. Feel free to use any media, including sculpture. For simplicity in your studies, I’d suggest sticking to black and white, or monochrome.

You’re going to make two studies. The first study is made with the ability to look back at the masterwork. The second is made without looking at anything.

Study 1 – Beginner

• Choose a simple artwork to study. Something black and white, with clear light and dark shapes.
• Draw a small study of the artwork. 6″ is a great size that will give you enough space to reproduce the basic shapes, but not let you get trapped in the tiny details.
• You may draw and look at the artwork at the same time.
• Suggestion 1: Measure and draw accurate dimensions of the piece before beginning. (Get the correct ratio of height and width drawn on your paper.)
• Suggestion 2: To see the shapes more accurately, you have the option to turn the masterwork upside down, and draw it upside down. You can flip it right-side up at any time to see things you didn’t notice before. Keep drawing!
• Suggestion 3: Look at large light/dark shapes, not details. Get the big shit first.
• Suggestion 4: Use vine charcoal or a pencil, with an eraser.
• Complete the study as best as you can.
• Take a photo of Study 1.

Study 1 – Advanced

• Choose a masterwork to study, and set it away from where you will be drawing so that it is inconvenient for you to take a quick peek.
• Draw a small study of the artwork. 6″ is a great size that will give you enough space to reproduce the basic shapes, but not let you get trapped in the tiny details.
• You may look at the original artwork for as long as you want to.
• You may not draw and look at the masterwork at the same time.
• Complete the study as best as you can without drawing and looking at the same time, and document how many times you looked back at your masterwork to make your Study 1.
• Take a photo of Study 1.

Study 2 – Everyone

• By doing the first study, you have put the composition into your memory. Now put both the study and the masterwork away.
• Do the best you can to draw another study, this time completely from memory. Take as much time as you need to, but do not refer back to Study 1, do not refer back to the masterwork.
• When you can do no more with it, take a photo of Study 2.

Share it

• Post the masterwork, plus Study 1 and Study 2 to Instagram or Facebook.
• Tell us how many times you looked during Study 1, and name the artist and title of the masterwork.
• Tag us! #30sal

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