i took a beginning painting class last year.  one of the 

assignments was to make a copy of a van gogh.

when you do this it is suggested that you select an artist 

with different style from your own.  the teacher claims that your art will 

improve dramatically after  three different copies are painted.

  i don't know whether my art changed or 

improved after the van gogh but i did learn about using texture.  

i am now painting a copy of a portion of james ensosr's

christ's entry into brussels (1889).  i became familiar with 

with his work through an exhibit, the scandalous art of 

james ensor, at the getty.   i love his brilliant use of color and 

the exaggerated characters  he created.  so i am giving it a whirl.