My Sorolla 'Forgery', oil, 22x28

February is the month for the "Fakes & Forgeries" show at Spring Bull Gallery on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI.  This year I chose one of my favorite paintings by Joachin Sorolla, titled "Mother".  It not only depicts such a tender moment with a brand new baby, it's a study in subtlety.  I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't anticipate just HOW difficult.  I wish I'd had another week with the painting.  Anyway, it got a great spot hanging front and center at the show, I was very pleased.

I wish I'd been able to see the two images close together like this while I was painting it, oh, well....  It certainly is a learning experience when you copy from a master.  It is, however, still just copying, and when you paint alla prima you have to make each decision for yourself.. is it cooler or warmer, darker or lighter, is the drawing right?  Measure, measure, measure, and through all this, you learn.