The Pitfalls of Painting from a Photograph

Studying the Impressionists, Louvre
Oil on Linen   16 x 20"
Gallerie Amsterdam

The Pitfalls of PAINTING FROM A PHOTOGRAPH
(and how to avoid them)

By Randy Blasquez

Recently in class we had a quick lesson on the differences between painting from life and using a photograph as a reference tool. This is something that you don't want to learn the hard way. And believe me if you don't use care, people can tell you painted from a photo. 

Read through the notes below and let me know your thoughts and perhaps your own experiences with using photographs to paint from. 

The Pitfalls -

Shadows are too dark

Lights are washed out

Photo is distorted

Everything is in focus because a camera does not see like the human eye

It’s very tempting to copy a photo and then your painting will look like a photo

A photo doesn’t see correct color and temperature (this is why we paint plein air studies)

How to make it work -

Sketch a personal design using a notan

Create a beautiful of dark and light pattern that is your own

Remember the reason you took the photo and what inspired you (why it’s best to paint from your own photos)

Try turning the photograph and paint it upside down

Crop your photo to correct the format

Bring light into those shadows, but remember to keep the shadows and light separate

Use color in your shadows

Take notes or use a sketchbook as an additional reference

Remember the rules of creating depth and distance (value, edges, temp, chroma) that the camera doesn’t see

Use care when using multiple photographs to create your composition

Exaggerate when necessary