Madonna Tempe (2006)

Water based oil on canvas. 22 x 16 ins.

I did this painting for my mother. I was inintially attracted by the composition and colour which was light and intense. There is a degree of conviction and gravity in Raphel's painting which I tried to replicate. It was difficult but worthwhile and I found that the best way top get some of the gradiated effects in the original was to use glazes and also take advantage of the slow drying properties of (water based) oil paints. Seems a pity that copying great works of art is generally seen as an inferior activity compare with the white heat of creativity.