THE ART OF VISUAL STUDIES

Marie Denise Villers was a French portrait painter, born in Paris. Villers was born into an accomplished artistic family, and was a student of the French painter Girodet. She first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1799.

Villers was also a student of Jacques-Louis David, and her most famous painting “Young Woman Drawing” was at one time attributed to him.

This drawing is thought to be a self-portrait of Villers, and is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I love art studies. I draw a lot of my inspiration from paintings. I created this self-portrait after studying the painting of the “Young Woman Drawing”.

I may only pull one or two elements from a study. Never copy, only get inspired.
I received this postcard from a sweet friend. I carried it through my many moves. When unpacking I came across it again. I was inspired.

Sometimes your next project will literally fall at your feet. Go with it!