>>5759286Sometimes I just pick a random reference or something I like (like a still from a movie I enjoy).
In terms of setup, I'm just doing traditional oil painting at the moment. Canvas paper, some different size filbert brushes mostly, and oil paint. An ipad and stand is good for reference if I don't have good printouts. Another good source of reference is high quality books from master painters. I like Caravaggio, so I do some Caravaggio studies quite frequently.
In terms of studying, sometimes it's just a matter of copying what the artist did to the best extent possible. That way I have an objective measure of how well I painted and and it gives me further opportunity to take what I like about that artist and inject it into my own art. Additionally, doing master copies is a great way to critique oneself. Doesn't look like the art? What am I doing wrong? Is it my color? Are my values off? Are my edges too sharp or too soft?
