How to Use a Reference Photo Effectively in Your Paintings

Using a reference photo is a great way to guide your painting, but the key is not letting it control the entire process. Reference photos provide valuable information on form, light, and detail, but they shouldn’t box you in creatively. Your painting should still reflect your personal style and interpretation.

Here’s how to use a reference photo effectively while staying true to your artistic voice.

1. See the Reference as a Guide, Not a Blueprint

Your reference photo should serve as a guide, not something to copy exactly. It’s there to give you structure and information, but your interpretation and expression are what bring the painting to life. Feel free to make adjustments to composition, colours, or lighting to suit your artistic vision.

Penny’s Tip:
I love simplifying or even exaggerating aspects of my reference to create a more expressive outcome. Don’t be afraid to stray from the photo—it’s your painting, not a photograph!

2. Focus on Shapes and Values First

Instead of getting bogged down in the details of the reference right away, focus on the big shapes and values first. This helps you block in the composition and get the overall structure in place before adding in the finer details.

My Process:
I typically squint at my reference to blur out the details and see only the major shapes and value shifts. This helps me stay loose and bold, focusing on the structure before refining the piece.

3. Adjust Colours to Fit Your Vision

The colours in your reference photo don’t have to dictate the colours in your painting. Use your creative freedom to adjust the palette and colour temperature to fit your vision, mood, or style. Feel free to push the colours to create a more vibrant or subdued look.

Pro Tip:
I often change the colour scheme entirely, opting for bold, unexpected hues. The reference gives me the form and structure, but the colours are all mine!

4. Leave Room for Interpretation

One of the biggest benefits of painting from a reference is that you can choose which parts to focus on and which to leave loose or unfinished. Sometimes less detail in certain areas allows the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps.

My Approach:
I like to leave some parts of the painting more abstract or undefined, particularly in the background or less important elements. This keeps the focus on the main subject while adding a sense of mystery or movement.

Final Thoughts

Using a reference photo doesn’t mean you have to copy it exactly. It’s a tool to guide your painting, but the magic comes when you add your own creativity, expression, and personal style.

Until next time, Keep splashing colours!
Penny 😊🎨✨