>>3144984OP here, doing master studies are the fastest way to improve at painting. I started doing master studies in the past few months, and that alone has gotten me further than anything I've ever done in the past few years.
For reference, Here's the process of a Jia study I decided to record:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ZjR0ROe6AIt's maybe 75% accurate, but what I learned about good values, colors, and edges are immeasurable. At one point I started getting so physically and mentally exhausted that I almost passed out, it was that challenging for a beginner like me. I now see noticeable gains in my personal work with every master study that challenge my abilities.
The only time I don't learn anything is when I do copies but am too lazy to push it to be as close to perfect as possible. Studies are meant to challenge your current knowledge and skills, and if you don't push beyond that comfort zone, you won't really grow. Also, doing master studies and personal pieces through attrition and frequent breaks is probably the best modus operandi. Hope this helps, keep up the good work
