An important part of reproducing a painting is copying the textures and brush strokes of the artist.
Art reproduction requires advanced painting skills and a great deal of practice. The artist must be familiar with color theory and have a mastery of the medium. To reproduce a work of art the painter must be able to copy colors, textures and the structure of a painting. This type of work is difficult to orchestrate successfully, but it is a valuable and marketable skill that sometimes leads to a successful career. Some art patrons pay high sums for quality reproductions of famous art pieces.
Instructions
1. Draw several studies of the oil painting you are copying. A "study" is a practice drawing meant to familiarize you with the subject matter.
2. Draw the basic structure of the oil painting on the canvas. Leave out details. Look back and forth between the oil painting you are copying and the canvas upon which you are drawing. Erasing on a canvas is very difficult, so draw lightly and avoid making errors. You might find it easier to draw corrections over the errors.
3. Paint the basic colors on the canvas. This layer of paint should be thin and quickly applied; it is an underlayer that is later covered. Leave off highlights, shadows and details. Use a medium-sized flat paintbrush. The colors must be mixed to match the colors on the original painting when possible.
4. Add thicker layers of paint to the piece. Add details and attempt to reproduce brush strokes and textures. Brush strokes on the reproduction should mimic the direction of brush strokes on the original. Smooth your paint with paint thinner to accomplish this.
5. Mix the paints necessary to create the highlights and shadows. Paint highlights and shadows and add more details to the piece.
6. Flick your eyes back and forth between the original and your copy. Look for errors and make corrections as needed.
