Hi all, I wanted to share a quote that has been attributed to Michelangelo: "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." I really like the quote, as he was one of the most exceptional painters of all time, and it gives an insight into his mindset. It's true that we often set ourselves goals that we think are difficult but realistic. Then we do achieve them over time and forget that we actually did. Given this process works, why not aim much higher? It must have taken a lot of courage for Michelangelo to set the bar so high for his painting, as it must have taken him a lot of work to then reach those skills. I'm sure all the greats, Michelangelo, Sargent, Ingres, Bouguereau etc, at some point had to set the bar higher than all their contemporaries, and deal with that very high goal. Some questions for group reflection: 1) What are some goals that you thought were high back in the days but now you reached them without appreciating it much? 2) What are some goals that would aim you "too high", but following Michelangelo's advice maybe you should set for yourself to reach them? I go first 1) "Tough" goals of the past that I reached and forgot that I reached -I wanted to draw realistic portraits and figures and thought that would be almost impossible to do. But actually I've completed a few that are much better than what I thought I'd be capable off. Thanks to Chris not just copied, but also designed. -I exceeded the goal of just drawing realistic portraits and figures by getting into watercolor, oil painting, and the many concepts Chris teaches here in so much more depth than I thought I would. It became a whole part of my life. 2) A goal that feels "too high" but that I want to try: -I would like to do very in-depth master studies (like Chris posted recently), with the specific purpose of creating a "master drawing" myself. Meaning a drawing of a photo I took myself, where I think through every part of the drawing and make conscious decisions about the idea, the story, the look, the composition, the shape/value/form/edge design etc. I want to analyze how other masters made decisions in creating pictures and compare notes on what I like/dislike, and through that create my own "master" drawing. Basically a drawing that's completely my own image, and I consciously designed every single part of it to the best of my ability. I want to follow Sargent's process and actually take a few months to build this, and see what I can draw if I take a few months, not just a few hours, to plan, figure out and execute a drawing.

⭐ Our master work of the month is: "The Milkmaid" (De melkmeid or Het melkmeisje) by Jahannes Vermeer* Date: C 1657 - 1658 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Milkmaid_(Vermeer) Why Vermeer? - I believe he is one of historically great artists/draftsman in human history and is worth of study - The 19th century greats that we idolize all looked to the 17th greats that came before them, so we should do the same - It's good to examine a more "famous" or "mainstream" work from history to see if it's actually worthy of being remembered (hint: Vermeer actually is!) - Personally I admire and need to study, model and examine soft and quiet work/scenes and genres. Soft, quiet, pretty look and aesthetic is something I want to strengthen in my own work. I would like to do 3 paintings by Vermeer this month (see attached). ------------------------- 👉 To join the project: #1. Study this masterwork to the best of your ability and current skill level. #2. Study with intent and care. Learn from the master, don't just copy. #3. Post your work here in this thread. #4. Along with your work share your lessons and thoughts. Drawing/painting with thought and intention = massive learning. #5. Support, encourage and teach your classmates. Treat this project like we are in a live classroom. In live class rooms students collaborate and mentor others. Complete at least 1 master study per week before the deadline so I can give you feedback. I will also do live demo every week on one of the master study paths. For details on how to study at your level scroll down or read the full project post here 👇: https://www.skool.com/drawing-academy/new-group-project-concept-please-read-and-vote?p=1a7d8fe1 🟢 Basically you can be as ambitious as you want - sketches, line drawings, thumbnails or full size/ambitious copies. It's up to you and your current level.

I took a day to visit the John Singer Sargent Exhibition in Paris at Musée d'Orsay. I'm lucky it's only a 4 hour train ride from where I live in Germany. The Musée d'Orsay is also famous for it's impressionist collection (Degas, Renoir, etc), but also got some amazing Bougereaus, Ingres, and some cool works of the students of Ingres I didn't know (Amaury Duval). This is the third museum visit for me in the last 12 months or so (National Gallery London, Rijks Museum Amsterdam), and I must say it's crazy how much I learn each time. The energy, mark making, the detail, it's just so much easier to see in the real painting. The first two were studies from Sargent at school. The charcoal one he did as a student. I added a few close ups.