Study of J.F. Herring 6-25-18

I find the best way to study a painting and to really learn from it is to attempt painting it. And doing it on a small scale (this one is 3″x3″) forces me to simplify. A solid composition will translate to the mini scale, so then it’s a matter of looking at the shading. Where is the light coming from? Where will the highlights hit? Even my tiniest brush can’t allow me to fuss with details. I’m just aiming to capture the movement, the “feel” and the composition- in 45 minutes or less!