From Inspiration to Creation:

 My Journey with Reference Photos in Painting

For me, painting is not just about putting brush to canvas; it's a journey of exploration and self-expression. Sometimes, that journey begins with a simple reference photo.

I often find myself browsing online, scrolling through images of landscapes and natural scenery. These photos serve as a source of inspiration, sparking ideas and igniting my creative imagination. Yet, I never approach them as templates to be copied. Instead, I use them as a starting point—a springboard for my own unique interpretation.

When I sit down to paint, I let the image guide me, drawing from its composition, colors, and mood. But as I work, I allow myself the freedom to deviate, to inject my own style and perspective into the piece. The result is a painting that is uniquely mine—a blend of inspiration and personal expression.

Recently, I've been contemplating taking my artistry outdoors, to paint en plein air. The idea of capturing the beauty of nature firsthand excites me, offering a new level of authenticity and connection to my surroundings. It's a challenge I'm eager to embrace, and I look forward to sharing the experience with you all.

So, whether I'm painting from a reference photo or capturing the world around me in real-time, each brushstroke is a reflection of my journey as an artist—a journey filled with inspiration, creativity, and the joy of self-expression.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

An emotional piece

Image
  I did this painting a few weeks ago.  It's my heart. My broken heart.  I actually moved with the music that I played in my ears as I painting this.  As the music moved me the colors moved onto the canvas as well.  It was very emotional and I did not stop until the painting was complete. I had been in a wonderful relationship for the last 6 years and on July 14th that all changed, he decided that we needed to end and separate and go down two different paths.  At the time of the painting I did not understand, I do a little more now but this is not what I want. It has taken strength to move forward from that evening but I'm still taking one step forward and another and another each day, as my heart finds a way to begin to heal. 
Read more

Art on the wall

Image
 I work at the best place! I can hand my paintings in a room for all to see here at work.  In return starting this summer I will teach a painting class.  I am very excited for the opportunity, a little nervous but mostly excited!  I have an amazing co-worker/best friend that I also share the wall with and will be teaching painting classes as well.  I will keep you all in the loop of when the classes start and if you are local and would like to join that would be awesome! My Bio Staff Artists of CCC
Read more

Left over paint

Image
  I love taking left over paint from previous painting and blending all of the colors on the next blank canvas.  I love blending colors, it helps me see my next painting.  As I I take my brush and spread the paint on the canvas I watch each stroke and how the paint lays on the canvas and how each stroke could be developing into something that starts to lead me to the next idea of what to paint.  I have discovered when I just let go and do this there have been times I feel like my creativity really starts to flow and some awesome paintings have come from this process. For example that is how the paintings below were created, using left over paint and only using the colors that were left. I have been known just to sit and spread and blend paint onto canvas' and then let them dry and walk away from them for a bit and then pull one out and look at it and then start painting.  I find it  soothing and relaxing to blend the paint on the canvas.
Read more