Interpret, don’t copy

Last month, we looked at what a valuable resource the photograph can be. This month, let’s explore how to get the best from them in a painting.

When working from photographs, unless you’re making an exact copy, don’t let them dictate what you paint. Use the photograph as a starting point only, be selective and interpret, don’t copy.

When working from my photos, I email myself a copy, open it on the computer and paint alongside it; this means I can evaluate both images at once (Figure 1, above right). I then size the image to about the same proportions as the 8×10in. copy I’m painting. I measure with the pencil flat to the screen and map out a rough plan of the study I want to make right).