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How To Paint From Photo References
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(23 ratings)
187 students

How To Paint From Photo References

Without copying every detail. All mediums are welcome.
Created byRobert Joyner
Last updated 9/2020
English

What you'll learn

  • How to use photo reference without copying image & details
  • How to use photo as a starting point only
  • How to extract focal points
  • How to move objects and shapes in photos to redesign scene
  • Tips for good design & composition
  • How to resize and crop images
  • Tips for painting loosely and expressively
  • How to tweak details to make the art your own
  • Add your personality and vision to the finished art
  • Tips for using value to create impact

Explore related topics

Course content

2 sections • 15 lectures • 2h 21m total length

  • Materials2:36

    Gather Strathmore mixed media paper, collage with mod podge, and heavy body matte golden acrylics for final paintings, plus Zen brushes and graphite pencils for composition.

  • Rural Photo & Redesign5:29

    Emphasize sky with bold cloud shapes, adjust composition to a square layout with a low horizon, and use quick sketches as blueprints to guide value structure and avoid symmetry.

  • Rural Landscape Demo9:09
  • Townscape Photo & Redesign6:06

    Explore how to redesign a town scape using acrylics on paper by analyzing frame, big shapes, and asymmetrical composition to guide the viewer toward the water focal point.

  • Townscape Demo14:33

    Watch a townscape demo that teaches painting from photo references, showing loose block-in, color mixing, and layered washes to emphasize water, boats, and building forms.

  • Flower Photo & Redesign5:23

    Apply a design process to paint from a photo by dissecting shapes, adjusting edges, and creating an abstract focal point with saturated flowers against a dark background.

  • Flower Demo7:15
  • Red House Photo & Redesign6:48

    Analyze a red house photo to design a square-layout painting by mapping horizon and land lines, emphasizing the house and tree, adding boats, and guiding color with value structure.

  • Red House Demo8:15

    Explore collage and heavy body acrylics on Strathmore mixed media paper to design a Red House from an inspiration image, emphasizing blueprint, composition, and value.

Requirements

  • Need basic drawing supplies and any painting medium you prefer. All mediums welcome!

Description

Course Overview

In this course you will learn many ideas for how to paint from photo references without copying every detail and nuance. The lessons are packed with useful tips for all levels from beginner to experienced artists.

How It Works: Robert will create a series of four paintings all inspired from photos. Each painting is broken down from the very beginning. The steps will include understanding what's included in the original photo; then Robert will extract the elements that are interesting; the scene is re-worked into a new design based on his thoughts and vision. Then a finished painting is completed so you see the idea(s) come to fruition.

Assignment One: An assignment that includes seven photo references. You will take each image and use some of the ideas Robert shared in section one to make edits that appeal to you.

Assignment Two: Robert completes the same assignment using the exact same images as you. This will give you something to compare your work to so that you aren't left with questions. There are no right or wrongs but it's useful to see how he approaches each image.

Your Turn: Create a final painting based on your favorite design. Robert will paint his favorite and toss in a bonus video of another :)

When you are finished you will have some fresh ideas and techniques for working from photos.

Who this course is for:

  • Beginner and experienced artists that want to learn how to paint from photos without slavishly copying every detail

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