How to Use a Master Study to Combat Creative Block

My take on Vermeer's Girl with the Pearl Earring

A few weeks back, I decided to spice up my drawing routine by tackling a Dutch classic, Vermeer's iconic "Girl with the Pearl Earring," in not one, not two, but 20 different ways!

I threw in a mix of visual wizardry – think colored pencils, charcoal, a trusty ballpoint pen, contour-loving pencils, a highlighter (because why not?), gouache, watercolor, and even a double-lined pen. You can see the whole colorful arsenal in my Instagram reel 🎨

This might be a different kind of master study than you are used to seeing. Well, my friends, it's all about the power of experimenting with your marks. Each stroke, line, or splash of color tells a unique story. It's like a mini adventure where your creativity takes the lead.

In this exercise, you don’t have to overthink; you can play because someone (in this case, Johannes Vermeer) has already done the hard work of creating a gorgeous composition. Now, it’s your turn to experiment with your visual language.

This quirky experiment was a jackpot – a low-effort way to flex my artistic muscles, try new techniques, and do a master study. Double the fun, right?

Why not give it a whirl yourself? Grab your favorite art tools, pick an iconic artwork, and let your creativity run wild!

Stay inspired and keep those marks dancing ✨