Getting the Most from Your Reference Photos

Do you ever have the experience of wanting to paint from a photo, but realizing there may be a problem there? And so, you hesitate and you don't do it? I mean, I have the same experience. This week I’m going to show you an image I wanted to paint for years. I’ll show you the problem, the solution I found, and then how I translated that into paint.

The colors on my palette:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Lemon
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Red Light
Alizarin Permanent
Dioxazine Purple
Ultramarine Blue
Chrome Oxide Green
Phthalo Green

Link to some recent paintings by Ian Roberts for Sale:

[cynthia_artistproPHOTOS]

That's not all! You are such an inspiration! Where have you been all my life!!!

[lilliann]

Yes, this is how understanding composition and having years of experience come together. I have a photo taken from a fishing cabin high above the North Umpqua River in Oregon where the view is obstructed by many trees. I know what lies beyond the trees: the riverbed and bolder rocks, the fast flowing water hitting the rocks and creating beautiful crashing water effects plus beautiful splashes of sunlight hitting the water and trees. So great, but why in the world did I feel so hampered by the trees blocking the view and why didn’t I just get rid of some to clear the view to the river? It amazes me that such a SIMPLE solution has evaded my thought process and prevented me from painting this beautiful scene for several years. Am I the only painter so dim witted? After all, I’ve been painting for many years and still get hung up on these composition problems. Your tutoring is truly opening my eyes, though, so thank you again for a great video.

[elrelster]

This demonstration of creating a painting from a reference without being glued to the specifics of the reference is truly eye opening to me. Thank you!

[marthacanady]

Every time I see you paint, I can’t wait to get to my easel. Such a motivational video. My results never live up to yours, but it it sure is fun to try. Thank you, Ian.

[RaymondOreFineArt]

Would never have thought of adding the lake, totally transforms the picture.

[bhberman]

I am just seeing this now Feb 2024 and I'm smiling. When I first started to paint not all that long ago, I did a painting of a photograph "as it was". I t was horrible so I put it away. Then I started watching your videos on composition and pulled the paint out. I also had a road that hit a dead end and did exactly what you did in this painting. Cleared away the trees and had the road go to the ocean. . I softened the edges and simplified the shapes and now I love it. It may not be the best thing I ever did but the fact that I learned from you to have a critical eye and ask myself questions leading to a solution makes this a painting I love. Thanks so much Ian and I hope to go further with you in your classes. I'm in MC now.

[paulinnes]

your episodes are such a treasure, thank you

[ladeanwoodssaussotte]

Thank you so much! I'm a beginning painter and have started my first large work ever. The examples and concepts in your video will be part of my final painting!

[thereserioux]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I have already done one painting yesterday and I am amazed at the result when first blocking colour shapes. Today, I received your book Mastering composition, ordered 2 days ago on Amazon. I am thrilled as I am already planning my next painting. I have already read more than 50 pages of your book and listened to numerous videos over the last days. You have heightened my inspiration. I have also recommended your channel to a close friend.

[luvurobert]

This lovely painting made me smile as it was so inviting and serene. Thank you for the wonderful demonstration!!

[chermontro]

Have been sidetracked and really want to get back to painting. So satisfying to the soul to see your magical lessons again!!

[lusinegrigyan]

I just finished readying your book Creative Authenticity. I just wanted to thank you so much for your insightful writings. My favorite two sentences “it’s one thing to give expression to something you feel strongly about. It is another thing to find a simple way to express what you have discovered so another person can appreciate it”. We can all do with being less self centered and focusing on things outside of us. I think that is when we truly become great communicators as Artists.

[timkeagy]

I am a photographer and I sometimes will paint my photos. Sometimes I will run into problems because I know what I am seeing through a camera. I know the depth of field and what I want to show through a particular lens I have on the camera. Then, I want to put the photo on canvas and I see it differently as I paint. I believe this video will help me next time I tackle one of my photos. Thanks Ian.

[susanrscott]

Fantastic perspective regarding how to think about transitioning from a photo to a painting. As a photographer you created a beautiful painting that supersedes the photo. Thanks so much.

[johannarenee]

Super helpful! It does look better with the composition opened up back there.

[rudykammermeier]

It’s always sad when something great ends, and I’m definitely feeling that way now. I’ve been watching your videos since the beginning, and I want to thank you, Ian, for everything you’ve taught me. Good luck in your new endeavour. Hopefully, we’ll see you again, and I’m looking forward to receiving your emails.

[sapphiresennelier]

Loooove your compositional fix confidence. Adopting!!

[aliciamolloy]

Thank you so much Ian for sharing your process of painting from a photo. You are a wonderful teacher, love your videos.

[joeirvine]

This was worth waiting for (after the “trailer” in the brushwork course)!
Watching your progression from photo to under painting to blocking in and your thoughts about simplifying and correcting as you go towards the final painting are a practical course for any artist.
Thanks for this!

[PleinAirAdventureswithTezDower]

The lake at the back is just like a cherry on a cake. You made it complete Ian🎨👌