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Inspiration from Artists Wk 199 Featuring Artists : Ian Fennelly and Richard Clifton.
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Message
Posted
Photos… depends what you are trying to do. The artist above is very skilled but I’m not sure that they’re any better than a photo would be - you can be “ artistic” with photos. Peter Scott used photos as aids to accuracy but also drew on his memory….interesting to read about him.
I must say that I like a “ bit of extra” to come from a painting, an emotion perhaps or even a move into an impression. Again, I do know that I’ve seen some beautiful photos, some which capture atmosphere and moods, not every photo does and not every painting does.
I use photos for reference and often if I’m aiming for an accurate resemblance…but I like what certain materials can add - oils, charcoal, pencil etc. If I had to choose between visiting a photo exhibition or an exhibition of paintings, I would choose the latter every time - I’ve veered away somewhat from the comments above but you get the gist.
Posted
I use photos regularly, several reasons a lot of the things I like to paint old ships, old farms and industrial buildings , to name a few are not easily accessible nor the the what I call old fashion landscape . My main reason is one of mobility, having to use crutches to get around outside these days doesn’t make it easy to visit place even though I drive , many places are totally inaccessible to me and carrying my kit would make it even more difficult . What I do is use bits of a photo and add my own ideas to that , I have and do use a building from one photo in the landscape from another photo or adapt both to suit. Interesting that Peter Scott use photographs he was one of the artist I admired and watch tv when I was younger, fabulous work that is accurate. Roberts comments about acrylic is very interesting, as I don’t use them and Robert is very experienced with acrylic it’s great to have his opinion and share his knowledge about using it and the effect it has , thanks Robert .
Posted
I like those ducks because it’s another kind of way of seeing them. Also things do not have to be realistic, it’s the artist vision. That’s what makes an artist he/she see things differently. Realistic, abstract or anything in between. They do demonstrate superb colouring. In fact the more I look into those ducks the more skill I see.
Posted
I use my own reference photography where ever possible. And the photos where taken with the idea of one day turning them into paintings but not with the idea of making copies of them. I just cannot understand all the fuss made about using photographic reference. The idea is not to copy but use as reference. Apologies for repeating what most of us already know.
Edited
by John Graham Inkson
Posted
Paul, I quite agree with you about the importance of showing different styles of painting on these threads, which you do superbly, and of course not we're not all going to like every single one. Very skillful, certainly not dismissing as unworthy, just a personal opinion, feel free to ignore.
Interesting comment of use of photos Marjorie, you express exactly what I think far better than I can put into words. I've noticed this in other discussions too.