Copying the works of the great painting masters is not a simple exercise in mimicry. It is a formative practice for artists of all levels who desire to make progress in the medium, and serves as a lesson for those who wish to increase their knowledge of the techniques used in historic paintings. The trade secrets of the great masters are uncovered in this exhaustive study of 14 of the world's most famous paintings, among them, Van Gogh's Starry Night, Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Degas's The Star, Monet's Woman with a Parasol, and Turner's Venice: Grand Canal.