If you paint from photos, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you’re set up for success. If you have other things to add to the list, comment below!
- You took the photo yourself (if you want to enter your painting into a competition or show), or you have permission to use the photograph.
- You love something in the photo.
- The thing you most love to paint (for some this might be a story or narrative quality, interesting shapes, strong contrast, unusual composition, or something else) can come from this source photo.
- There is a good composition somewhere in the photo.
- You can make a composition and value study that you like from the source photo.
- You love the lighting. For me this means either a strong light source (sunny day) or beautiful light or atmosphere.
- Nothing needs to be moved, or you can easily fill in the gap(s) after you’ve moved things.
- It’s easy to understand what is happening in the photo (unless you are a very advanced painter).
- The image is not over or under exposed (or you can fix it in photo editing software).
- Colors look accurate and you love the colors (or you can fix it in photo editing software).
- The amount of contrast seems accurate and you like it (or you can fix it in photo editing software).
- The photo is clear and large enough for the amount of detail you want to paint.