Before tackling new painting or sculpture projects, preparatory studies are often necessary: of folds and drapery, of architectural details, of hands, feet, faces and other body parts

It is a bit as if the artist is practising his scales, to make his hands more flexible, to find the right expression, to acquire precision and mastery. This demanding form of working allows slow maturation, either in the solitary quiet of the workshop or shared in the environment of the Academy

This is how you learn your trade.