As artists, we’re often inspired by the world around us, but capturing that inspiration in a way that’s both legal and creative can be tricky. Whether you’re tempted to paint from a photo you found online, or you’re heading out with your own camera or phone to gather references, here’s a practical guide on how to use photos properly and design compelling, original compositions for your paintings.
Can You Use Photos That Aren’t Yours?
Short answer: yes, but with care.
Long answer: Many photos online are protected by copyright, meaning you can’t use them directly for artwork (especially if you’re selling it) without permission. But there are safe alternatives:
- Use royalty-free photo sites like Pixabay.
- Ask the photographer directly if you can use their work.
- Use AI-generated images or public domain archives, but still modify them!
- Better yet, take your own photos, you’ll be the copyright owner of these.
How to Make a Photo Truly Yours
When using photographic material, don’t just copy it. One of the most important principles in creative practice is to transform your reference into an original design. Here’s how:
- Flip it horizontally or vertically to break free from the literal image.
- Raise or lower the horizon line to change the mood and focus.
- Crop in close or zoom out to highlight different elements.
- Remove distracting objects or background clutter.
- Add in new elements from other photos or your imagination.
- Change the colour scheme to reflect your emotional response or unify the piece.
- Combine multiple references to invent a scene that never existed; this is where the magic happens!
This process not only keeps your work legally safe but also strengthens your compositional skills and ensures the end result is truly your own.
Composition: Where’s the Focal Point?
When creating a painting from a photo (or a mix of photos), don’t forget the rules of composition. One of the best ways to add visual interest is to place your focal point on a “third”, also known as the Rule of Thirds or the Golden Section.
Imagine dividing your image into thirds both vertically and horizontally. Placing the main point of interest where those lines intersect often creates a stronger and more natural composition.
Don’t Skip the Thumbnails!
Before you pick up the brush, take time to do several small thumbnail sketches. These quick, loose studies let you:
- Test different compositions
- Decide on the best focal point
- Explore cropping options
- See how your added/removed elements affect the balance.
To Sum It Up
Using photos in your painting practice is a wonderful tool, whether they’re your own or someone else’s (with care), but they’re just a starting point. Your job as an artist is to transform the image through composition, imagination, and design.
So, why not go out with your sketchbook or camera, gather ideas, play, and don’t forget the thumbnails. Remember: the most powerful paintings come not from copying, but from creating something new.
To download my free pdf all about tricks and techniques in watercolour, click here.
To download my free pdf all about colour mixing in watercolour, click here.
Countdown to the Exhibition!
The clock is ticking just 15 days to go until our exhibition Echoes opens at the Harbour Cottage Gallery, Kirkcudbright!
Running from 25th August to 6th September, this nature-inspired showcase will be a collaboration between myself, Stuart, and my oldest art friend Sue Bibby (we met back on our Art Foundation course!).
Echoes is all about the ways in which nature leaves its mark – in landscapes, in memories, in textures and colours that stay with us. We’ve been pouring our hearts into this work and would love to share it with you.
click here for details.
Happy painting!