How to Paint a Picture From a Photograph

If only the earth would stop rotating long enough to allow you to paint the sunset. And darn those wild ponies for not being more cooperative models. An artist often has to rely on a photograph, since action takes place too quickly to capture images as they happen. If you've already got a great photograph, your art project is half done already. Here are some tips for painting from a photograph.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Photograph, preferably your own
• Artist media, such as watercolor paper, cardboard or stretched canvas
• Watercolor, acrylic or oil paints
• Easel
• Brushes, rags and palettes
• Pencil and ruler

1. Begin with the right photograph. Look for one that has sections that are very dark and some that are almost white. Choose an uncluttered photograph or one that contains objects you can easily leave out of your painting.
2. Measure the dimensions of your photographs and cut the paper or canvas to the same dimensions. For example, if your photo is four inches by six inches, use paper in the size 24 inches by 36 inches. Or you can measure the paper or canvas and crop your photo to the same dimensions.
3. Draw a grid on the photograph and on your paper or canvas, keeping the dimensions the same. For example, if your photo is four inches by six inches you may want the grid to consist of 24 one-inch squares. On your 24 inch by 36 inch paper, the grid will be six inch squares. Take care to use a light touch on the paper so the grid lines can easily be covered by paint.
4. Reproduce the photograph on the paper or canvas one square at a time. Use a light touch. If there are objects you don't want to reproduce, leave them out, but remember that some things may help with your composition by adding balance and color or by giving the painting a sense of place and time.
5. Begin painting, starting with the lightest colors. Concentrate on one square at a time rather than trying to paint the entire scene at once. This will allow you to better see the photograph as a progression of values and colors so you can reproduce it more faithfully.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to sell your painting, you must obtain permission from the person who took the photograph. The photographer may ask for money or simply refuse to give permission to use his or her photograph. If you use only your own photographs, permission is not an issue.

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