Painting FROM PHOTOS

Whether you are a beginner or have been interested in art for a period of time, below are seven principles, skills and philosophies that, if followed, will make you a more accomplished realist painter.

I guess there’s only one caveat here: that the responsibility for putting these principles into practice is down to you. There is no “silver bullet” when it comes to painting; it will make demands of you and you will find it difficult. However, if you enjoy the act and if you put in the hours over a period of time, then there is nothing stopping you creating wonderful art. While this piece has been written from the perspective of painting from photographs, many of the principles can be equally applied to working directly from life.

1. STATE YOUR INTENT

At the beginning of each painting, write down a very short