Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Winter Photos as Source Material
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
I have been asked by a gallery to provide some pictures of a local village so I set off this morning to take some photos. By the time I got there it was raining but I took a couple of dozen regardless and from them there are a couple which look very promising so I'll make a start tomorrow. My method of working when using photos as a source material is to interpret the scene in a loose drawing.
The point I am coming to is that it struck me that the conditions today were ideal for the way I work. I know from comments posted on this site that many like bright sunlight and juicy shadows in their photos but this doesn’t appeal to me. Without shadows in the source photo I can interpret the scene as I wish and not be influenced by what the photo shows. Furthermore the trees are without leaves which means I have a better idea as to what lies behind them - outlines of buildings, hills etc Then when I develop my drawing (usually direct onto the watercolour paper) I can decide how much foliage to include or leave out to best suit the composition. If the trees in the photo are in full leaf I am denied this option
In other words, for photos at least, I prefer a dull day in late autumn/winter. Yes I know this probably only applies to landscapes and townscapes but does anyone else at least understand where I am coming from or am I on my own here?