So you want to paint like Rembrandt? Should you?!!

Should an artist aim to develop his/her own style?

Skill and artistry are not the same. Developing a style is what makes the difference.



 History and the recent example of Odd Nerdrum are proof of this point.



Honest copies of the great masters and paintings made "in the style of" Old Masters require tremendous skills and part of a sound education in the visual arts. They help an artist survive financially, but are these true art in the pure sense? As much as I myself value it and like seeing this, I think this actiivty is not itself art.



Why would the world want 2 Rembrandts? Or 2 of Van Gogh?

Most likely, the second version will not be remembered as an artists.