#production-process

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

First attempt to copy the Raphael self portrait. 

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

First and second attempts to copy a self-portrait of Raphael. The first drawing is horribly inaccurate in proportion (although I do like the energy of the shading). The second attempt is much closer in proportion but still doesn’t look like the original... These two drawings are one day apart. I do feel like I’m making some progress.

The emotional struggle here is that on the one hand I’m comparing this against previous efforts (making progress and learning) and on the other hand I’m comparing it against the masterwork by Raphael (a very pale semblence). The emotionally mature view is to see the delta between the original and my copy - to be honest and to develop my eye for difference - but more importantly to focus on the improvement and learning each drawing brings.

Most often when looking at an artist’s work over a prolonged period of time I see substantial improvement in their work. I wonder if they are having the same doubts and unfair self-criticism during that period. My guess is yes but I don’t presume.