Using reference is often absolutely necessary. The idea that art somehow must spring entirely from the mind of the artist is nonsense. Artists are craftsmen, not mystics. It's that removal of art from the realm of work that makes it so hard to make a living as an artist today.
Using reference (or not) is a debate of art students. Professionals use reference constantly. The great masters (davinci, etc) used references to an extreme degree. Really, only younger art students debate this because the derive pride in "drawing from memory", which is trivial in the end.
PerfectPencil I think the real issue is straight up reproducing another artist's drawing (versus using a real life image). Also, saying "this group of people did it so it's okay" is sort of a weak argument no matter what the topic is. I think there are other better reasons for and against references.
Serendipity Emily, I haven't seen anyone advocate for straight up reproducing another artists work. So I don't know how that's the real issue on using refs. It appears the conversation is mostly directed at real life images and such. Pointing out that prominent artists used refs throughout history is a valid point. To leave out historical context when you have it doesn't strengthen ones argument.
Using reference and copying an existing painting are not equivalents and shouldn't be confused. You should be using photographs or real models for reference, not someone else's completed painting. You can use another person's completed work for inspiration borrowing color elements, poses, expressions and so on, but it ceases to be reference if you straight copy the art. Copying original art is a good learning exercise, but is not the same as reference usage.
Aldewyne the problem being addressed is how many students of art refuse to copy things from life or good photos because they would rather make up their own version of things...and spend years spinning their wheels instead of using tried and true methods to learn art.
HerMajestyBarebone - yep Happened to me.. 2004-2010 .. now that my son is 4 , i am finally getting back to my true talent, and references are important for making final pieces that hold their own! Now i know!!! Needing to not fear the loss of time and commit to myself & to believe in my process!!
You can approve or disapprove of references as you please and no harm is done. The problem starts when you start expressing your opinion aggressively and putting others down for their opinion.
My Architecture professor always tells us to stop being "original" because all the architectural building types have already been invented, we won't be ushering in a new building type anytime soon, and that our job as Architects is to take the "tools" given to us (beams, columns, walls, etc.) and create a working composition from them. It's ok to look at what's been done in the past because when you get right down to it they all were used with the same "tools" as well. Of course this does not mean to directly copy a building. But to learn the language of the materials and implement them as such.
True lol. My father has been professional architect for 30+ years and the only original thing he did is making window-sized hole on the wall that connects two rooms.
Xans hmm no it’s not? People use art references to improve and if Artist Pen keeps practicing and using references then hopefully in the future they’ll be able to make art from their imagination
using references isnt the problem. the problem is if you can draw only as good as a stick figure without references but can draw a hyper realistic piece from references perfectly. that is a skill in copying, not in art and it means you need to work on your actual skill asap. im sure this case is not as extreme but you really need to have your without reference work atleast 75% as good as your referenced work.
I usually draw with a references...some people don't like that .. but I believe I'll do that until get enough experience to had ideas I got from ref. ^^
Rukia San I use references so I can remember the small details of things. I may not copy the exact image but it helps to have a clear vivid image compared to a fuzzy memory
Rukia San I draw with references but its like, "an eye here" *next pic* "this is the eyebrows" *next pic* "ooooh nice makeup" So yeah, my "art" is a mix of references.
technically there's no such thing as painting with no reference it just means that person has painted the same thing enough that they can draw it from memory such as a hand or a certain type of nose. also could painting from life be considered a reference? If I do a panting of a flower in my garden would it be called copying as I didnt make the flower just painted it.
Penholder Art no that's your original drawing that you independently created. Copying is looking at an artist's picture and basically reproducing it with little to no difference. Referencing would be taking aspects of something and using it in your original art.
that´s pretty accurate! This is basically what I said: Intersting that I found you here. But yes using references is good! To be fair I worded the 2nd sentence poorly. I could´ve also said: "Aber ja, Referenzen zu benutzen ist gut!" Referenzen nehmen= taking references, but "using references" is more fitting! If you wanna learn german, go fot it. It´s not easy tho ,but I´m sure you could do it!
I really don't understand why some people are against the use of references. You can't remember what everything looks like just from thinking about them, and using references is a way of learning. I use references all the time in my art
Of course references are okay! If you draw a duck from memory (unless you’ve been drawing ducks for years and years and your brain very much knows the exact anatomy of a duck) then it’s going to turn out a bit weird because it’s what your brain thinks a duck looks like versus how an actual duck looks, if you’re going to spend hours sketching pages of anatomy practice, you’ll need to look at lots of photos of poses or in turn, if you want to add a special type of flower to your drawing that you only saw once when you were ten,...you’ll have to look up a reference pic of it. It’s okay if you can’t draw from memory, most people can’t (I mean yes we can, it just won’t be accurate most of the time).
I just want to say there is a difference between COPYING and USING A REFERENCE! I use reference to help me when I draw details, it's really usefull. Sometimes copying a drawing is ok, as long as you only do it to practice, you do not claim it as your own and credit the original artist.
I use references all the time. I don't find anything wrong with it as long as you bring something new to it. I mean writers create stories inspired by other literature all the time. Jaws is based on Moby Dick. Romeo and Juliet is based on a Greek story called Pyramus and Thisbe. Avatar is basically Pocahontas in space. NOTHING IS 100% ORIGINAL!
I "like" how people use the word "honey" to bring other people down and represent them as "dumb" while acting smart with their noses in the sky Or as Marshall would say: "Oh honey..."
I've never met someone with formal art training whose professor didn't at least heavily suggest that they use references for their work. They may recommend to reference their own photos and surroundings as much as possible, but to expect them to create great work without any references? Not once have I heard of that happening.
Well, then I suppose you are disregarding the work of hundreds of professional and very much admired artists such as Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. All of the greats used reference. Reference allows you to create a far more realistic image and it's a great way to learn. Plus, not having formal art training doesn't mean your skill is any lesser or any less valuable. Self taught artists can be every bit as good as formally taught artists.
And, most formal art training heavily recommends references. They do tend to specify it should be photographs you have taken, but they still highly recommend it and you're taught to use it. Speaking from experience.
I think you're misunderstanding my original comment. I'm a big believer in using references, and I think anyone who says its cheating don't know anything about art history or have had any formal art training, so you're kind of preaching to the choir?
I think it’s perfectly fine. I do both without reference and with reference. I don’t know who these people who complain are, but with art you can do whatever you want. It really doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t a blatant copy of existing art.
I recognize that photo from another blog artist I follow. I bet she copied it also. Nothing wrong with using references, as an artist you still need to make it look amazing, which you did. I am also a photographer and take many photos to have a reference.
I'd say definitely use references especially if you are at the beginning of your art journey. If you don't use them initially you risk memorising things wrong while references help you create a correct mental library of how things actually look. It also gives you a lot of confidence because with references the art you create will look less stiff and just less "off". In my experience sooner or later you will depart from the reference images anyways to add your own flavour and style and eventually you might abandon references altogether or just use them for really critical subjects that you're not used to drawing. I wish I didn't start drawing at a time when the use of references was shamed. It would have made my study process faster and less stressful
What happened to art has no rules?? As long as no one has completely copied someone’s artwork and sold it off as there own I see no problem with using references. Artist never stop learning and developing new styles and skills. We should encourage each other to keep drawing and not hold each other back :)
I think even good artists use references. Because references help to envision. If someone is not good at anatomy, it's best to use reference before creating wonky proportions and learning from experience. Because some try to experiment with anatomy without reference and there will be people bashing them for not knowing anatomy well. And in other times will criticise the use of references when drawing buildings. The bottom line is: use what makes you comfortable, practice, practice, practice and just don't copy exactly brush for brush what another artist did. That's the fine line between reference and stealing.
This is a good topic to discuss but I feel that whenever talking about the use of references one should also contemplate why and how references are used. Using references doesn't automatically negate the "drawing from your imagination" aspect since you can get a sketch done but feel unsure about anatomy etc for which you pull a reference to fix the anatomical errors. This already shows that when you arr using references you already have a clear intent and you know what you want to take from the reference. Unless you are tracing and trying to copy something exactly as is using references doesn't mean copying. The final piece likely ends up being significantly different from the source material because you choose what you take from the reference and how you use it. Also, using references builds your mental library. Very, very few artists are such geniuses that they can summon an image or an object and draw it from their mind. Using references supports drawing from imagination as it makes you more familiar with different subjects through study and observation. Using references is a safe method to learn and to also avoid basic mistakes and naivety. They help you grow and expand your skills. You can keep trying to reinvent the wheel and draw a subject from imagination and never get it quite right or use references and figure out where you went wrong and stop making silly mistakes. I would argue that references are very essentila for anyone who wants to be even slightly serious about art.
Yey! If you directly copy the references by tracing or the like then that's plagiarizing. I think the use of copying when you're a younger artist has slightly more leeway, but not when they claim that it's theirs. References are pivotal to all artists in order to get the right form of their subject.
For me it has to be a case by case thing. I’m an amateur watercolor painter and I’m not the most skilled portrait drawer. So I will use reference photos of real people and paint with my own technique or practice with established techniques. In my head I don’t think I’m stealing because I’m trying to make it my own/wanting to improve my artistry. I think the hardest part of this whole debate is INTENT. Just from looking at two works of art, no one can know if the INTENT was to steal or copy. People could technically accuse me of copying because I intentionally looked up an image to use and reference. But I do think there are grey areas. The amount of times I have argued with someone who doesn’t draw or paint saying that my stuff is not original is just annoying. But that’s just my opinion
If you reproduced someone else’s painting exactly that is copying. Now if you painted something similar and made it your own by changing things then that’s not copying. There is a huge difference between using something as inspiration and copying.
i usually always use a reference. i have also found that asking models on instagram for reference use is so helpful so you can avoid that bs about "copying". i have found most instamodels really appreciate art and references are in abundance on that app.
Someone walked into Michelangelo's studio as he was working on a beautiful female form and was asked who his model was. Michi pointed to a filthy old pauper in the corner and said, "He was." You have to start somewhere with something, reference something. But you also have to draw from nothing. I consider it a metaphor for life itself. You can't draw anything without making a line, erasing it, trying again, erasing, checking proportions and erasing. It's a practice for making mistakes and getting back up again without feeling defeated or lacking in skills. That's how I start everything, and *then* go to references, lots of them.
I think the concept of an artwork matters a lot, and that there's less confinement upon the artist when you start with your idea, and then use references as a tool. After all, artists are artists and not technicians, and sure references can be changed into something original and unique, but I think the idea matters more to start with. Really appreciate your insight into this :)
I like to start with an emotion I want the piece to have, and then I collect references based on that. By focusing more on how I want the piece to FEEL, even as I continue to use the references, I can twist the references into what I want.
I'm only a few months in to actually drawing and OH LORD had referencing has made it SO MUCH BETTER than it would be without it. I am now on my sixth sketchbook and now that I look back at my first one I have come a long way in a few months.
To me, references are just an essential of art. It helps express your art better, and helps you improve much faster as we’ll. One of the main aspect of art is to observe around you and try your best to express your art. I think it’s totally fine to use references, as long as you aren’t tracing.
well, I would say that even while drawing from only your mind and imagination, it's working with unconscious references that your mind as accumulated throughout your life. You just don't remember what references it was, because it's all bits and pieces from what you've seen or felt. I'm sure a blind person from birth wouldn't paint the same way as someone who's built his/her inner references library by seeing things everyday, even when not paying attention to them. Or then you could argue that, in photography for example, then 2 people taking in photo the same subject (animated or not) is copying and it shouldn't be allowed. I feel that as long as they put their own view of the subject it's fine. (the fashion industry would have to change their models every time one picture is taken of them if you couldn't use the same reference again ^^) so well....As long as it's not "stealing" the art of someone, and pretending it was your own creation when you just really copied it from a to z, which wouldn't be honest, then I feel that's fine. And if that's copying from a to z but for your own training and practice, then that's also fine! and if that's just taking a reference as inspiration in you own creation, then that's also fine!
References help me for when there is a position, type of wrinkles, clothing material, or anything that would otherwise have me stuck trying to 'imagine' what it would look like. Without references, it would also be very difficult to picture in your head what that object/item/thing/etc. would even look like to begin with, especially if it is foreign named or not native to your area (cultural anthropology courses help in this a lot). One learns through observation and putting those observations into practice. In that sense, if you do observations like crazy from references, you end up retaining that information to the point that references may not be as needed anymore for certain things, but they are still vital in being able to move forward on projects (this is my opinion). Great video!!
I am so glad to encounter this video. I have been dependent on references for several months since I stopped drawing for more than 3 decades. I am in my late 40's now and it's so hard to draw from own imagination considering I am taking some medications on my back issues and trying to create drawings on my own are difficult. I never claim references as my own, but as a practice.. Thanks again for this, it relieved me from feeling bad using references.
I find it funny when people bring up the old masters as a source of non referenced art while Caravaggio many more Renascence artists dead ass traced most of their paintings.
I really love your channel and your videos. The way you speak about these art-related topic is really good because it is easy to follow what you are trying to say and because your arguments are good and well-structured. And that painting is absolutely gorgeous
I just want to say your art is your art. To me all art is beautiful. Art can be anything of it means something to you. Don't let someone or something else interfere with your talent.
Great video and that painting you did is gorgeous. For me - using references is a necessity. It makes the drawing process faster, which is very useful for people like me who have health issues. We should still be allowed to draw even if we can't spend as much time doing sketches as other artists. I think this is something people should take into consideration when they criticize others for using references.
Using references has consistently helped me to become a better artist, so that even when I am not using them I have gained skill and insight I would not have had otherwise. Some of the best things I allowed myself to do is print photos and sketch the general shapes over them. It helped me to get a feel on what sort of curves, shapes, lines, etc. I should be using to create the things I have envisioned in my head already. I would encourage any artist to do these things if they are struggling!
Bua Holmes Is it really not? I mean, if you traced an image onto a canvas, it doesnt make the artist "unskilled" The artist still needs to fill in the paint and make the painting come to life which takes a tremendous amount of skill.
Chante Moody bases are what 13 year olds use for thier manga art Do you know those topmodel Blocks where you paint your clothing on the model? its something like that
This is gorgeous! love your art! About the topic of reference I’m still amazed people don’t understand. It’s totally normal to use reference but if you don’t own the rights to the reference image you shouldn’t just copy every single thing in a single image. You should always use multiple reference images and add your own things from imagination as well. I always used reference and my imagination combined for my artwork but of course if you own the reference image, as some artists will take photos of nature or hire models to be photographed for the purpose or art or buy the license to use reference imagines online then it’s totally ok to copy the image for your work.
Almost everything that can be done has been done, and often creativity is just the amalgamation of several things done before. At the end of the day as long as you don't outright copy someone who cares? I draw mostly out of my head but sometimes a reference can make a great difference. Sometimes artists that I admire, inspire me to create something similar to theirs, just to see if I can do it.
I use references all the gosh dang darn time! I use them for a pose and to make sure that my drawing is more proportionally correct. I don’t always use a reference, but they sure are helpful!
Do you have any tutorials on how to paint skin? Every time I watch your videos I always envy how beautifully you manage to paint the skin tones. It's something I'd like to get better at doing, because it always ends up looking overly saturated and murky looking. If you don't, is there any source you could point me in the direction of? Would you perhaps consider doing one in the future? On topic: I think references are definitely something to be used for the sake of growth. Nobody just starts drawing and gets everything right immediately. Sometimes it's difficult to hold onto that image in your head and getting it onto paper or canvas. It also helps with things like lighting, or things like creases and folds on clothing or how a certain body type looks or a certain mood that the subject has - Emotions can be something very difficult to convey too if you're starting out. As mentioned in the video it might be something intricate that nobody has a hope of memorising for the sake of one image, so I think it's perfectly okay to use them as long as they aren't being traced. If I use a reference I like to try and be aware of how something goes together so I can remember it next time instead of brainlessly copying it - of course, I will usually have a go without the reference first to see if I can achieve it, or what I can learn from the experience of trying. I dont think anyone should be shamed or pulled down for using a reference as there are so many poses, facial expressions and objects in the world, that we can't possibly keep a library of everything in our own minds, so it's perfectly fine to borrow a person, or an image from elsewhere to gain inspiration and grow from it as artists.
+Tiny and Charming I did a video on skin x) ruclips.net/video/0ey8aA9LQMg/видео.html it also deals a bit with colors and mixing them :D but there is also going to be a more general video soon ^_^
This question is creating a storm in my head. And you always take most needed topic for the conversation. I know where to go when in confusion related to art ☺️
Lisa from Lachri Fine Art did this same portrait. She is big on using reference photos, but she also works in photorealism. Anyway I love your take on this portait. It's wonderful to see each person's interpretation of a single subject. It goes to show how different we are. Beautiful work.
i totally agree with you. We have clearly exaggerated the concept of using references. Honestly even while designing OCs, we have to use references for drawing poses
Beautiful piece, and this is a case where I think you've changed it enough to call it an original, you basically used the reference for the pose and nothing else. I was always taught that is the way to use references properly if you aren't using stock photos and painting them as they are. For me, references depend on the piece, some are clear in my head and others ideas that I need a few references to mix together in my mind to get the right light, pose and colors. Great video and it is an interesting topic.
For me using references is a great way to practice. What I believe is important when using references or copying and posting it, is to credit where your received your influence.
I have good visual memory so my references normally just give me guidelines and I vaguely ever come close to get a piece to look like the reference at all. Sometimes my reference is just a picture of certain art style if I wish to do fanart in said style and just serves as a reminder of what style I'm pretending to draw in. It depends a lot in the person, as I said, my visual memory is extremely strong so that might be the reason I don't need to rely on references that heavily, but that variates from person to person. I have also to say I don't idolize too much artists that merely do an exact copy (of photos, for example) of things since I feel it really doesn't have anything "special" (the art is in how they copied it exactly, but... the result is just a mere copy at the very end)
I think it’s absolutely fine. If it’s extremely close and obvious, a credit should be involved. But adding your own twist to a piece shouldn’t be labelled as copying. Everything we do has been inspired, even if you don’t have an image beside you.
Absolutely references. Extremely few artists can actually draw well from imagination. A lot of professional artists even trace regularly: projectors, light boxes, transfer paper, grid methods. Leonardo da Vinci used the grid method, as did a lot of Renaissance artists. I don't know a single artist who doesn't use references and/or trace regularly.
I actually used to use a lot of references, until I was told that I shouldn't because it looked too close to doing the original, so now, if I use a physical reference, it's usually for a special occasion. So for the most part, it comes out of my head. But references do make it so much easier, and I've actually started using them again to improve my skills.
Well depends on how they use the reference. Like lets say you take a cake, and you reference it to make a girl. They are completely different, but you used the color scheme, general design, and elements used in the cake's design to make the character, making it a massive reference. Then lets say you take several more references, a reference to the hairstyle/clothing, and a reference for the facial expression, as well as about five more references to build a background. At that point the idea/subject does become original because upon looking at the piece, no one would ever know it was ever made using references, even when you placed the references side by side with it. Of course, most beginning artists don't go through this process when they start to learn the glory of referencing...but you definitely see it with more professional artists and illustrators, who stop listing references simply because there are so many and so different from the finished piece that it would be redundant to do so.
I know but what I was trying to more say was that...you can follow a reference to a T, so long as you use multiple references in your work. Like lets say you have a photo of a girl. You trace over the photograph, maybe tweak the eyes a bit (like Laovaan did). But then you want her to have a raven on her shoulder, so you take a photo of a raven and place it, trace it into your girl drawing. Then you take a picture of a forest, a pond and some feathers. You want to have a background of a forest with a pond in it, while feathers float around. So you trace the trees, trace the pond, and then trace the feathers. Then you color it all, and you have an original image. This is the recommended way to use references for those who cannot "free hand draw" as referenced by my art and media professors. You can trace a reference line for line (preferably a photograph, tracing finished art is frowned upon) and it still be okay so long as you learn how to mix and match references and alter the piece to what your message is. This is how photoshopped images can be original, although they often use stock photos in their work. The same goes for artists. This isn't to say that it is better than drawing from imagination, but that if you struggle with it, this is what's reccommended so that you can at least set up a composition and then stylize it with your own techniques. I hope this kind of explains what I was trying to say earlier
Yeah, I get what you're saying. I don't trace photos, but I look at several very closely in order to copy several parts of various photos to a T, until I make an original photo that isn't that mush like the one I referenced.
This might be my favorite piece you’ve done! It’s just so beautiful! I’m going to art school next year and I love watching your videos and I follow your Instagram. I use your videos a lot for reference on using watercolor or using certain colors together. Our styles are very different though haha
Some people don't differentiate between reference and complete trace. There's also a few implications as far as crediting, which some stock doesn't actually ask for credit (I would still do so, because I've seen the backlash that others have received.)
Refences are the first step to learn. Last I trained drawing deers, but I didn't wait in the forest to meet one, haha. So first, draw from a photography, than try to understand the anatomy and now I am able to draw in different views, movements from memory.
I especially like referencing for practice. Poses are one thing, but by replicating a photograph's curves and shadows, it's easier to understand dimension....
Thanks Laovann! Excellent discussion. I continue to work on my portraits. Now , I talked about you with my friend Javier. We meet at my house or his, twice a week, and work on portraits viewing your videos. We talked about you like if you were our personal friend! You have made this two seniors very happy. Thanks again. Huge hug from both of us.
A lot of times, when I start drawing something I haven't done before (like ocean rocks and cliffs etc.), I will just google image search it, browse through it, and take notes on some common features. Then I draw a completely orginal object using those elements. That's sort of a copy free way of using references. Use them to learn about the subject matter and then design your own. But really the only reason I do it is because I want the freedom to design it how I want it to be without having to dig for what I'm looking for -.-
My art professor just said in the first moment of the first class that we should use references in the beggining. I also use references, don't see a problem in that right now. It's a good way to practice, and after a good time... It's a good way to criate someting from that (like you did/do). :)
Thank you for this video! I'm always sad because I draw since I was a kid, but I use a lot of references. I started drawing something more original using references only for poses but I never finish them or I never like the results. I'm so depressed because I love drawing, I draw everyday but I hate everything I do. Other people think that I'm good and I should go to comic school but I don't think so. I really admire you!
I've been drawing to actually be good for about...10+ years but I've been drawing my whole life. In my mind I never wanted to use references or copy anyones stuff I felt I had to be 100% original or else I'm terrible. While I still aim to be original, I can't tell you how liberating it has been to start using references for about a year or 2 as well as drawing lots of fan art. You don't have to copy images, they are references, they are just there to help. Using a reference picture is no different than doing a still life in that you are still looking at something and replicating it.
Sometimes I like to challenge myself by creating a pose by memory without references, but most of the time I do end up referencing poses as a way of learning. And I do indeed upload those referenced artworks online. But I use stock photos, and make the person look different. So I really dont think I’m doing anything bad. Fortunately I havent ever really run into any trouble for it.
I teach art in public schools and always push my students to use references. I find that when my students use reference material their art has a lot more detail. In college art classes I was told when using a reference you have to change something at least 20% to make it your own .
In my art class we had to choose three illustrators and I chose you for one and in this we have to try and copy one of the illustrators pieces of art as accurately as possible before we try to make our own in the illustrators style, and in the end with the three illustrators we try and find our own style within the three styles we used, and I kept worrying about copying and people calling me out on it 😅 even if it was for school, this helped me calm down a bit but I still kinda worry about the original illustrators would think about me copying them without permission
I am currently 14 (I drew my pfp when I was 11 ik it's bad). Your videos fascinate me and I just wanted to say that you inspire me and your videos are helpful to me as I am awful at watercolors
References are an important part of understanding art. As a beginner artist knowing how the body works or how an animal moves isn’t something you just know It’s something you learn by using references. I think using real life references or your own photos are the best way and least likely to get attacked for being copied and also just makes it more your own. In today’s world where it can be so easy to reference others artworks it can be tempting to use other people’s work in everything you do. It important to just to improve what you think could be better about it or to use it to try out something new. If its a straight copy job to try out the style it should be personal use. If its using it as a base for you to color differently it should also be for personal use. If you want to mix different styles on how you draw someone else’s content it (in most cases) is your own and can be soread how you like. As you use references in your learning it can lead to your own way of doing art. Finding your style in how you create. How much you reference is important too. If you are doing a copy job with out tracing it should be a learning experience not something you sell and say is your own. If you are using certain aspects in a piece and are mixing different references together i consider it more of your own. Anyway I as long as you aren’t tracing I believe using references is important to grow as an artist and is important at any art stage you may be at.
Of course Yay. How else can you learn? And especially with things flowers, animals, machines... (Die Seite war Animexx, ne? :D Ich erinnere mich da an ein paar wirklich unschöne Diskussionen, auch als später die Trennung von "abgezeichnet" und "Referenz genutzt" eingeführt wurde, was teilweise mehr als schwammig war. Haaaach ja 🙈)
I was told in school to use a reference if possible for any posing or anatomy. If you are refrencing more in one piece i was taught to either source the artist or take your own photos. It was also stressed alot to use photo reference and not other artworks as the references.
I really appreciate and aggree with what you said here! I once made a drawing of two running wolves, without any reference, and published it on DeviantART. I got immediate backlash of people assuming I had stolen an apparently very popular comic (which I knew from name but had never read) because the pause was almost 100% similar to one of the drawings in a recent chapter. This was very hard for me because it was just... Well there aren't infinite pauses for running wolves, and I just happened to have make the same composition choices as this other very well known artist. I think people should calm down about assuming art theft from pauses, or even style... in my opinion if a style defines an artist... it is not copyrighted and people are free to try and make similar stuff... it always existed, and that's how big "currents" in art were created... and gave birth to new ones
Its a def yay for references. It's inspirational and perfect for a art block too get back in too things. Even with reading books with no picture's and you make a picture of the story that you read is also a reference. Even if you draw out of your mind you always have a reference without knowing it is. And even artist back in the day uses references, van gogh, Rembrandt, you name it. Look at there art and the back stories of it and you'll read that it is all with reference. And i think reference and copy something and say its yours is a different thing. It not the same.
I remember back when I was younger, the witch hunt season was rampant on dA. And for some reason I kind of agreed. I never hunted anyone down but it made me avoid references. All that did was stunt my growth as an artist. All I did was throw out an important source material to learn ;(
Using reference is often absolutely necessary. The idea that art somehow must spring entirely from the mind of the artist is nonsense. Artists are craftsmen, not mystics. It's that removal of art from the realm of work that makes it so hard to make a living as an artist today.
yes and you learn from it so you will be able to draw without references later maybe :)
Can I use brustro watercolour?
Using reference (or not) is a debate of art students. Professionals use reference constantly. The great masters (davinci, etc) used references to an extreme degree. Really, only younger art students debate this because the derive pride in "drawing from memory", which is trivial in the end.
PerfectPencil I think the real issue is straight up reproducing another artist's drawing (versus using a real life image).
Also, saying "this group of people did it so it's okay" is sort of a weak argument no matter what the topic is. I think there are other better reasons for and against references.
Serendipity Emily, I haven't seen anyone advocate for straight up reproducing another artists work. So I don't know how that's the real issue on using refs. It appears the conversation is mostly directed at real life images and such.
Pointing out that prominent artists used refs throughout history is a valid point. To leave out historical context when you have it doesn't strengthen ones argument.
Using reference and copying an existing painting are not equivalents and shouldn't be confused. You should be using photographs or real models for reference, not someone else's completed painting. You can use another person's completed work for inspiration borrowing color elements, poses, expressions and so on, but it ceases to be reference if you straight copy the art. Copying original art is a good learning exercise, but is not the same as reference usage.
Aldewyne the problem being addressed is how many students of art refuse to copy things from life or good photos because they would rather make up their own version of things...and spend years spinning their wheels instead of using tried and true methods to learn art.
HerMajestyBarebone - yep Happened to me.. 2004-2010 .. now that my son is 4 , i am finally getting back to my true talent, and references are important for making final pieces that hold their own! Now i know!!! Needing to not fear the loss of time and commit to myself & to believe in my process!!
You can approve or disapprove of references as you please and no harm is done. The problem starts when you start expressing your opinion aggressively and putting others down for their opinion.
THIS
I Sirusly agree with you.
My Architecture professor always tells us to stop being "original" because all the architectural building types have already been invented, we won't be ushering in a new building type anytime soon, and that our job as Architects is to take the "tools" given to us (beams, columns, walls, etc.) and create a working composition from them. It's ok to look at what's been done in the past because when you get right down to it they all were used with the same "tools" as well. Of course this does not mean to directly copy a building. But to learn the language of the materials and implement them as such.
True lol. My father has been professional architect for 30+ years and the only original thing he did is making window-sized hole on the wall that connects two rooms.
For me i can't draw from my imagination it's looks like a child draw and i don't know why but with refrences my drawings looks beautiful
The Artist's Pen that’s a problem
Xans hmm no it’s not? People use art references to improve and if Artist Pen keeps practicing and using references then hopefully in the future they’ll be able to make art from their imagination
Matt Murdock ohh thank you i always practice i hope i will improve 😀😀
using references isnt the problem. the problem is if you can draw only as good as a stick figure without references but can draw a hyper realistic piece from references perfectly. that is a skill in copying, not in art and it means you need to work on your actual skill asap. im sure this case is not as extreme but you really need to have your without reference work atleast 75% as good as your referenced work.
I have the same problem
I usually draw with a references...some people don't like that .. but I believe I'll do that until get enough experience to had ideas I got from ref. ^^
Rukia San I use references so I can remember the small details of things. I may not copy the exact image but it helps to have a clear vivid image compared to a fuzzy memory
It's good thing I got wt u meant
Yep^^
Wow it great words
Rukia San I draw with references but its like, "an eye here" *next pic* "this is the eyebrows" *next pic* "ooooh nice makeup"
So yeah, my "art" is a mix of references.
technically there's no such thing as painting with no reference it just means that person has painted the same thing enough that they can draw it from memory such as a hand or a certain type of nose. also could painting from life be considered a reference? If I do a panting of a flower in my garden would it be called copying as I didnt make the flower just painted it.
Penholder Art no that's your original drawing that you independently created. Copying is looking at an artist's picture and basically reproducing it with little to no difference. Referencing would be taking aspects of something and using it in your original art.
i rarely use references myself, but theres just some things you *cant* draw without a reference
*cough cough* hands *cough cough*
MarshMalow725 Hands are easy to draw
CJ I wish I was you. I’d sell my soul to Satan himself if hands were easy to me
References: Yay ̶̶o̶̶r̶̶ ̶̶n̶̶a̶̶y̶
:)
Drawinglikeasir Ok... interessant dich hier vorzufinden. Aber ja sich Referenzen zu nehmen ist gut!
Yay!
Yay 😉
that´s pretty accurate!
This is basically what I said: Intersting that I found you here. But yes using references is good!
To be fair I worded the 2nd sentence poorly. I could´ve also said: "Aber ja, Referenzen zu benutzen ist gut!" Referenzen nehmen= taking references, but "using references" is more fitting!
If you wanna learn german, go fot it. It´s not easy tho ,but I´m sure you could do it!
Yay
I really don't understand why some people are against the use of references. You can't remember what everything looks like just from thinking about them, and using references is a way of learning. I use references all the time in my art
Of course references are okay! If you draw a duck from memory (unless you’ve been drawing ducks for years and years and your brain very much knows the exact anatomy of a duck) then it’s going to turn out a bit weird because it’s what your brain thinks a duck looks like versus how an actual duck looks, if you’re going to spend hours sketching pages of anatomy practice, you’ll need to look at lots of photos of poses or in turn, if you want to add a special type of flower to your drawing that you only saw once when you were ten,...you’ll have to look up a reference pic of it. It’s okay if you can’t draw from memory, most people can’t (I mean yes we can, it just won’t be accurate most of the time).
You hit the nail on the head
I cant draw from memory and I think I lack of creativity so references are a must for me.
Same for me ✋✋
I just want to say there is a difference between COPYING and USING A REFERENCE!
I use reference to help me when I draw details, it's really usefull.
Sometimes copying a drawing is ok, as long as you only do it to practice, you do not claim it as your own and credit the original artist.
I use references all the time. I don't find anything wrong with it as long as you bring something new to it. I mean writers create stories inspired by other literature all the time. Jaws is based on Moby Dick. Romeo and Juliet is based on a Greek story called Pyramus and Thisbe. Avatar is basically Pocahontas in space.
NOTHING IS 100% ORIGINAL!
Exactly
honey, there is a big difference between inspiration and straight copying like he does
@@suides4810 You...clearly weren't listening to his points in the video then.
I "like" how people use the word "honey" to bring other people down and represent them as "dumb" while acting smart with their noses in the sky
Or as Marshall would say: "Oh honey..."
I've always thought anyone who thinks using references for art is cheating have obviously never had any formal art training.
I have and using references is about 90% of it.
I've never met someone with formal art training whose professor didn't at least heavily suggest that they use references for their work. They may recommend to reference their own photos and surroundings as much as possible, but to expect them to create great work without any references? Not once have I heard of that happening.
Well, then I suppose you are disregarding the work of hundreds of professional and very much admired artists such as Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. All of the greats used reference. Reference allows you to create a far more realistic image and it's a great way to learn. Plus, not having formal art training doesn't mean your skill is any lesser or any less valuable. Self taught artists can be every bit as good as formally taught artists.
And, most formal art training heavily recommends references. They do tend to specify it should be photographs you have taken, but they still highly recommend it and you're taught to use it. Speaking from experience.
I think you're misunderstanding my original comment. I'm a big believer in using references, and I think anyone who says its cheating don't know anything about art history or have had any formal art training, so you're kind of preaching to the choir?
I think it’s perfectly fine. I do both without reference and with reference. I don’t know who these people who complain are, but with art you can do whatever you want. It really doesn’t matter as long as it isn’t a blatant copy of existing art.
I recognize that photo from another blog artist I follow. I bet she copied it also. Nothing wrong with using references, as an artist you still need to make it look amazing, which you did. I am also a photographer and take many photos to have a reference.
I'd say definitely use references especially if you are at the beginning of your art journey. If you don't use them initially you risk memorising things wrong while references help you create a correct mental library of how things actually look. It also gives you a lot of confidence because with references the art you create will look less stiff and just less "off". In my experience sooner or later you will depart from the reference images anyways to add your own flavour and style and eventually you might abandon references altogether or just use them for really critical subjects that you're not used to drawing. I wish I didn't start drawing at a time when the use of references was shamed. It would have made my study process faster and less stressful
What happened to art has no rules?? As long as no one has completely copied someone’s artwork and sold it off as there own I see no problem with using references. Artist never stop learning and developing new styles and skills. We should encourage each other to keep drawing and not hold each other back :)
I think even good artists use references. Because references help to envision. If someone is not good at anatomy, it's best to use reference before creating wonky proportions and learning from experience. Because some try to experiment with anatomy without reference and there will be people bashing them for not knowing anatomy well. And in other times will criticise the use of references when drawing buildings. The bottom line is: use what makes you comfortable, practice, practice, practice and just don't copy exactly brush for brush what another artist did. That's the fine line between reference and stealing.
This is a good topic to discuss but I feel that whenever talking about the use of references one should also contemplate why and how references are used. Using references doesn't automatically negate the "drawing from your imagination" aspect since you can get a sketch done but feel unsure about anatomy etc for which you pull a reference to fix the anatomical errors. This already shows that when you arr using references you already have a clear intent and you know what you want to take from the reference. Unless you are tracing and trying to copy something exactly as is using references doesn't mean copying. The final piece likely ends up being significantly different from the source material because you choose what you take from the reference and how you use it. Also, using references builds your mental library. Very, very few artists are such geniuses that they can summon an image or an object and draw it from their mind. Using references supports drawing from imagination as it makes you more familiar with different subjects through study and observation. Using references is a safe method to learn and to also avoid basic mistakes and naivety. They help you grow and expand your skills. You can keep trying to reinvent the wheel and draw a subject from imagination and never get it quite right or use references and figure out where you went wrong and stop making silly mistakes. I would argue that references are very essentila for anyone who wants to be even slightly serious about art.
Yey! If you directly copy the references by tracing or the like then that's plagiarizing. I think the use of copying when you're a younger artist has slightly more leeway, but not when they claim that it's theirs. References are pivotal to all artists in order to get the right form of their subject.
I am a huge fan of your work!
Also, I use references with almost every piece I create. I see no shame in it.
This dude has some godly levels of artistic skill.
For me it has to be a case by case thing. I’m an amateur watercolor painter and I’m not the most skilled portrait drawer. So I will use reference photos of real people and paint with my own technique or practice with established techniques. In my head I don’t think I’m stealing because I’m trying to make it my own/wanting to improve my artistry.
I think the hardest part of this whole debate is INTENT. Just from looking at two works of art, no one can know if the INTENT was to steal or copy. People could technically accuse me of copying because I intentionally looked up an image to use and reference. But I do think there are grey areas.
The amount of times I have argued with someone who doesn’t draw or paint saying that my stuff is not original is just annoying.
But that’s just my opinion
If you reproduced someone else’s painting exactly that is copying. Now if you painted something similar and made it your own by changing things then that’s not copying. There is a huge difference between using something as inspiration and copying.
References are a must... sorry.
i usually always use a reference. i have also found that asking models on instagram for reference use is so helpful so you can avoid that bs about "copying". i have found most instamodels really appreciate art and references are in abundance on that app.
"Da Vinci dug up corpses for God's sakes".... Best point Ever!
Edit ~ 10 Months later: Oh god, So. Many likes >.< Thank y'all
He studied physical structures though, not flat single images. I guess it really depends on how you define "reference"
Someone walked into Michelangelo's studio as he was working on a beautiful female form and was asked who his model was. Michi pointed to a filthy old pauper in the corner and said, "He was." You have to start somewhere with something, reference something. But you also have to draw from nothing. I consider it a metaphor for life itself. You can't draw anything without making a line, erasing it, trying again, erasing, checking proportions and erasing. It's a practice for making mistakes and getting back up again without feeling defeated or lacking in skills. That's how I start everything, and *then* go to references, lots of them.
I think the concept of an artwork matters a lot, and that there's less confinement upon the artist when you start with your idea, and then use references as a tool. After all, artists are artists and not technicians, and sure references can be changed into something original and unique, but I think the idea matters more to start with. Really appreciate your insight into this :)
I like to start with an emotion I want the piece to have, and then I collect references based on that. By focusing more on how I want the piece to FEEL, even as I continue to use the references, I can twist the references into what I want.
Cyd Madsen look at Michelangelo female statues. They look like muscular men with lumps, maybe he should have used a reference.
I 100% agree with you. It's all about how you use them :D. Beautiful painting. I have no idea how you get things to look so smooth but i am impressed
I'm only a few months in to actually drawing and OH LORD had referencing has made it SO MUCH BETTER than it would be without it. I am now on my sixth sketchbook and now that I look back at my first one I have come a long way in a few months.
To me, references are just an essential of art. It helps express your art better, and helps you improve much faster as we’ll. One of the main aspect of art is to observe around you and try your best to express your art. I think it’s totally fine to use references, as long as you aren’t tracing.
Your artbook is back?? Ahhhh finally!! :D *buys immediately*
this piece is so beautiful - the flower detailing is stunning
well, I would say that even while drawing from only your mind and imagination, it's working with unconscious references that your mind as accumulated throughout your life. You just don't remember what references it was, because it's all bits and pieces from what you've seen or felt. I'm sure a blind person from birth wouldn't paint the same way as someone who's built his/her inner references library by seeing things everyday, even when not paying attention to them.
Or then you could argue that, in photography for example, then 2 people taking in photo the same subject (animated or not) is copying and it shouldn't be allowed. I feel that as long as they put their own view of the subject it's fine. (the fashion industry would have to change their models every time one picture is taken of them if you couldn't use the same reference again ^^)
so well....As long as it's not "stealing" the art of someone, and pretending it was your own creation when you just really copied it from a to z, which wouldn't be honest, then I feel that's fine. And if that's copying from a to z but for your own training and practice, then that's also fine! and if that's just taking a reference as inspiration in you own creation, then that's also fine!
References help me for when there is a position, type of wrinkles, clothing material, or anything that would otherwise have me stuck trying to 'imagine' what it would look like. Without references, it would also be very difficult to picture in your head what that object/item/thing/etc. would even look like to begin with, especially if it is foreign named or not native to your area (cultural anthropology courses help in this a lot).
One learns through observation and putting those observations into practice. In that sense, if you do observations like crazy from references, you end up retaining that information to the point that references may not be as needed anymore for certain things, but they are still vital in being able to move forward on projects (this is my opinion).
Great video!!
I am all for references. As you were explaining I too thought of songs. Same process. Amazing work!
your control of hues and values on such an unforgiving medium as watercolor is just out of this world ✨
I am so glad to encounter this video. I have been dependent on references for several months since I stopped drawing for more than 3 decades. I am in my late 40's now and it's so hard to draw from own imagination considering I am taking some medications on my back issues and trying to create drawings on my own are difficult. I never claim references as my own, but as a practice.. Thanks again for this, it relieved me from feeling bad using references.
I find it funny when people bring up the old masters as a source of non referenced art while Caravaggio many more Renascence artists dead ass traced most of their paintings.
marumyau : yep, even this guy...glorified coloring books
I really love your channel and your videos. The way you speak about these art-related topic is really good because it is easy to follow what you are trying to say and because your arguments are good and well-structured. And that painting is absolutely gorgeous
FIRST... IM BIG FAN OF YOU BRO... COOL..
same here
I just want to say your art is your art. To me all art is beautiful. Art can be anything of it means something to you. Don't let someone or something else interfere with your talent.
I realllly love your artworks Laovaan, I end up leaning towards digital art but seeing your work makes me want to get better with my watercolors again
A minute into the video and I forgot you were speaking. I was so absorbed in your painting process!
Great video and that painting you did is gorgeous. For me - using references is a necessity. It makes the drawing process faster, which is very useful for people like me who have health issues. We should still be allowed to draw even if we can't spend as much time doing sketches as other artists. I think this is something people should take into consideration when they criticize others for using references.
Using references has consistently helped me to become a better artist, so that even when I am not using them I have gained skill and insight I would not have had otherwise. Some of the best things I allowed myself to do is print photos and sketch the general shapes over them. It helped me to get a feel on what sort of curves, shapes, lines, etc. I should be using to create the things I have envisioned in my head already. I would encourage any artist to do these things if they are struggling!
References are definitely okay because it helps an artist learn. However tracing is not okay and also *cough* bases.
Agree don't trace free hand is the way to go
Bua Holmes Is it really not?
I mean, if you traced an image onto a canvas, it doesnt make the artist "unskilled" The artist still needs to fill in the paint and make the painting come to life which takes a tremendous amount of skill.
What is are "bases"? I draw and paint, but I taught myself, so I don't know all the lingo.
Chante Moody bases are what 13 year olds use for thier manga art
Do you know those topmodel Blocks where you paint your clothing on the model? its something like that
This is gorgeous! love your art! About the topic of reference I’m still amazed people don’t understand. It’s totally normal to use reference but if you don’t own the rights to the reference image you shouldn’t just copy every single thing in a single image. You should always use multiple reference images and add your own things from imagination as well. I always used reference and my imagination combined for my artwork but of course if you own the reference image, as some artists will take photos of nature or hire models to be photographed for the purpose or art or buy the license to use reference imagines online then it’s totally ok to copy the image for your work.
totally agree with you! And a big OH WOW for this beautiful, delicate, and inspirational last piece of yours.
Thank you for this amazing advice
You presented the case for references very fairy. I use them a lot, when drawing something unfamiliar, or as a guide to perspective and anatomy.
Almost everything that can be done has been done, and often creativity is just the amalgamation of several things done before. At the end of the day as long as you don't outright copy someone who cares? I draw mostly out of my head but sometimes a reference can make a great difference. Sometimes artists that I admire, inspire me to create something similar to theirs, just to see if I can do it.
I know references definitely help me improve my sketching and work in general, this is an awesome topic I'm glad you covered it
I use references all the gosh dang darn time! I use them for a pose and to make sure that my drawing is more proportionally correct. I don’t always use a reference, but they sure are helpful!
Do you have any tutorials on how to paint skin? Every time I watch your videos I always envy how beautifully you manage to paint the skin tones. It's something I'd like to get better at doing, because it always ends up looking overly saturated and murky looking. If you don't, is there any source you could point me in the direction of? Would you perhaps consider doing one in the future?
On topic: I think references are definitely something to be used for the sake of growth. Nobody just starts drawing and gets everything right immediately. Sometimes it's difficult to hold onto that image in your head and getting it onto paper or canvas.
It also helps with things like lighting, or things like creases and folds on clothing or how a certain body type looks or a certain mood that the subject has - Emotions can be something very difficult to convey too if you're starting out.
As mentioned in the video it might be something intricate that nobody has a hope of memorising for the sake of one image, so I think it's perfectly okay to use them as long as they aren't being traced. If I use a reference I like to try and be aware of how something goes together so I can remember it next time instead of brainlessly copying it - of course, I will usually have a go without the reference first to see if I can achieve it, or what I can learn from the experience of trying.
I dont think anyone should be shamed or pulled down for using a reference as there are so many poses, facial expressions and objects in the world, that we can't possibly keep a library of everything in our own minds, so it's perfectly fine to borrow a person, or an image from elsewhere to gain inspiration and grow from it as artists.
+Tiny and Charming I did a video on skin x) ruclips.net/video/0ey8aA9LQMg/видео.html it also deals a bit with colors and mixing them :D but there is also going to be a more general video soon ^_^
Thank you very much! I look forward to your future videos :D
This question is creating a storm in my head.
And you always take most needed topic for the conversation.
I know where to go when in confusion related to art ☺️
So can i use your artwork as a reference and not be called as cheat ? 😅
Lisa from Lachri Fine Art did this same portrait. She is big on using reference photos, but she also works in photorealism. Anyway I love your take on this portait. It's wonderful to see each person's interpretation of a single subject. It goes to show how different we are. Beautiful work.
Oh my god. Such an amaaazing piece of art :3♡
i totally agree with you. We have clearly exaggerated the concept of using references. Honestly even while designing OCs, we have to use references for drawing poses
Beautiful piece, and this is a case where I think you've changed it enough to call it an original, you basically used the reference for the pose and nothing else. I was always taught that is the way to use references properly if you aren't using stock photos and painting them as they are. For me, references depend on the piece, some are clear in my head and others ideas that I need a few references to mix together in my mind to get the right light, pose and colors. Great video and it is an interesting topic.
For me using references is a great way to practice. What I believe is important when using references or copying and posting it, is to credit where your received your influence.
Wow! I really like it! Your arts by my photos are incredible, thank u! Shocked to see this here:)
I always use references on poses and ideas
I have good visual memory so my references normally just give me guidelines and I vaguely ever come close to get a piece to look like the reference at all. Sometimes my reference is just a picture of certain art style if I wish to do fanart in said style and just serves as a reminder of what style I'm pretending to draw in.
It depends a lot in the person, as I said, my visual memory is extremely strong so that might be the reason I don't need to rely on references that heavily, but that variates from person to person.
I have also to say I don't idolize too much artists that merely do an exact copy (of photos, for example) of things since I feel it really doesn't have anything "special" (the art is in how they copied it exactly, but... the result is just a mere copy at the very end)
Beautiful💕
The painting looks awesome it looks super elegant
I think it’s absolutely fine. If it’s extremely close and obvious, a credit should be involved. But adding your own twist to a piece shouldn’t be labelled as copying. Everything we do has been inspired, even if you don’t have an image beside you.
Absolutely references. Extremely few artists can actually draw well from imagination. A lot of professional artists even trace regularly: projectors, light boxes, transfer paper, grid methods. Leonardo da Vinci used the grid method, as did a lot of Renaissance artists. I don't know a single artist who doesn't use references and/or trace regularly.
I actually used to use a lot of references, until I was told that I shouldn't because it looked too close to doing the original, so now, if I use a physical reference, it's usually for a special occasion. So for the most part, it comes out of my head. But references do make it so much easier, and I've actually started using them again to improve my skills.
References are only a problem when someone tries to take claim the idea or subject as original
TheCatsMeow Good point.
Well depends on how they use the reference. Like lets say you take a cake, and you reference it to make a girl. They are completely different, but you used the color scheme, general design, and elements used in the cake's design to make the character, making it a massive reference. Then lets say you take several more references, a reference to the hairstyle/clothing, and a reference for the facial expression, as well as about five more references to build a background.
At that point the idea/subject does become original because upon looking at the piece, no one would ever know it was ever made using references, even when you placed the references side by side with it.
Of course, most beginning artists don't go through this process when they start to learn the glory of referencing...but you definitely see it with more professional artists and illustrators, who stop listing references simply because there are so many and so different from the finished piece that it would be redundant to do so.
OKay, but it's usually beginners who fall into plagiarizing instead of inspiration and follow a reference to a T. Not using it for color schemes.
I know but what I was trying to more say was that...you can follow a reference to a T, so long as you use multiple references in your work. Like lets say you have a photo of a girl. You trace over the photograph, maybe tweak the eyes a bit (like Laovaan did). But then you want her to have a raven on her shoulder, so you take a photo of a raven and place it, trace it into your girl drawing. Then you take a picture of a forest, a pond and some feathers. You want to have a background of a forest with a pond in it, while feathers float around. So you trace the trees, trace the pond, and then trace the feathers.
Then you color it all, and you have an original image. This is the recommended way to use references for those who cannot "free hand draw" as referenced by my art and media professors. You can trace a reference line for line (preferably a photograph, tracing finished art is frowned upon) and it still be okay so long as you learn how to mix and match references and alter the piece to what your message is.
This is how photoshopped images can be original, although they often use stock photos in their work. The same goes for artists.
This isn't to say that it is better than drawing from imagination, but that if you struggle with it, this is what's reccommended so that you can at least set up a composition and then stylize it with your own techniques.
I hope this kind of explains what I was trying to say earlier
Yeah, I get what you're saying. I don't trace photos, but I look at several very closely in order to copy several parts of various photos to a T, until I make an original photo that isn't that mush like the one I referenced.
This might be my favorite piece you’ve done! It’s just so beautiful! I’m going to art school next year and I love watching your videos and I follow your Instagram. I use your videos a lot for reference on using watercolor or using certain colors together. Our styles are very different though haha
The painting you did is so beautiful. 💖💖💖
Some people don't differentiate between reference and complete trace. There's also a few implications as far as crediting, which some stock doesn't actually ask for credit (I would still do so, because I've seen the backlash that others have received.)
This painting turned out gorgeous!! Also a very interesting topic, I like your thoughts on it
Refences are the first step to learn. Last I trained drawing deers, but I didn't wait in the forest to meet one, haha. So first, draw from a photography, than try to understand the anatomy and now I am able to draw in different views, movements from memory.
I especially like referencing for practice. Poses are one thing, but by replicating a photograph's curves and shadows, it's easier to understand dimension....
Thanks Laovann! Excellent discussion.
I continue to work on my portraits. Now , I talked about you with my friend Javier. We meet at my house or his, twice a week, and work on portraits viewing your videos. We talked about you like if you were our personal friend! You have made this two seniors very happy. Thanks again. Huge hug from both of us.
A lot of times, when I start drawing something I haven't done before (like ocean rocks and cliffs etc.), I will just google image search it, browse through it, and take notes on some common features. Then I draw a completely orginal object using those elements.
That's sort of a copy free way of using references. Use them to learn about the subject matter and then design your own. But really the only reason I do it is because I want the freedom to design it how I want it to be without having to dig for what I'm looking for -.-
My art professor just said in the first moment of the first class that we should use references in the beggining. I also use references, don't see a problem in that right now. It's a good way to practice, and after a good time... It's a good way to criate someting from that (like you did/do). :)
Thank you for this video! I'm always sad because I draw since I was a kid, but I use a lot of references. I started drawing something more original using references only for poses but I never finish them or I never like the results. I'm so depressed because I love drawing, I draw everyday but I hate everything I do. Other people think that I'm good and I should go to comic school but I don't think so. I really admire you!
I've been drawing to actually be good for about...10+ years but I've been drawing my whole life.
In my mind I never wanted to use references or copy anyones stuff I felt I had to be 100% original or else I'm terrible. While I still aim to be original, I can't tell you how liberating it has been to start using references for about a year or 2 as well as drawing lots of fan art. You don't have to copy images, they are references, they are just there to help. Using a reference picture is no different than doing a still life in that you are still looking at something and replicating it.
References are great!
Art is an impression and/or perspective displayed thought multible media forms.
You are my Davinci!
That's the same reference photo that Lisa from Lachri fine art used for a huge portrait. She transferred it and did color pencil. Beautiful work.
7:36 Come on Mucha !!!! Hands down my favorite illustrator ever :D
I do love it when people say they are inspired by, when they use references from another artwork.
your colors sense are so pretty!
I love your arts so much
Totally agree with you :) Gorgeous work! You are so talented!!
Sometimes I like to challenge myself by creating a pose by memory without references, but most of the time I do end up referencing poses as a way of learning. And I do indeed upload those referenced artworks online. But I use stock photos, and make the person look different. So I really dont think I’m doing anything bad. Fortunately I havent ever really run into any trouble for it.
I teach art in public schools and always push my students to use references. I find that when my students use reference material their art has a lot more detail. In college art classes I was told when using a reference you have to change something at least 20% to make it your own .
In my art class we had to choose three illustrators and I chose you for one and in this we have to try and copy one of the illustrators pieces of art as accurately as possible before we try to make our own in the illustrators style, and in the end with the three illustrators we try and find our own style within the three styles we used, and I kept worrying about copying and people calling me out on it 😅 even if it was for school, this helped me calm down a bit but I still kinda worry about the original illustrators would think about me copying them without permission
I am currently 14 (I drew my pfp when I was 11 ik it's bad). Your videos fascinate me and I just wanted to say that you inspire me and your videos are helpful to me as I am awful at watercolors
References are an important part of understanding art. As a beginner artist knowing how the body works or how an animal moves isn’t something you just know
It’s something you learn by using references.
I think using real life references or your own photos are the best way and least likely to get attacked for being copied and also just makes it more your own. In today’s world where it can be so easy to reference others artworks it can be tempting to use other people’s work in everything you do. It important to just to improve what you think could be better about it or to use it to try out something new. If its a straight copy job to try out the style it should be personal use. If its using it as a base for you to color differently it should also be for personal use. If you want to mix different styles on how you draw someone else’s content it (in most cases) is your own and can be soread how you like.
As you use references in your learning it can lead to your own way of doing art. Finding your style in how you create.
How much you reference is important too. If you are doing a copy job with out tracing it should be a learning experience not something you sell and say is your own. If you are using certain aspects in a piece and are mixing different references together i consider it more of your own.
Anyway I as long as you aren’t tracing I believe using references is important to grow as an artist and is important at any art stage you may be at.
Of course Yay. How else can you learn? And especially with things flowers, animals, machines...
(Die Seite war Animexx, ne? :D Ich erinnere mich da an ein paar wirklich unschöne Diskussionen, auch als später die Trennung von "abgezeichnet" und "Referenz genutzt" eingeführt wurde, was teilweise mehr als schwammig war. Haaaach ja 🙈)
I was told in school to use a reference if possible for any posing or anatomy. If you are refrencing more in one piece i was taught to either source the artist or take your own photos. It was also stressed alot to use photo reference and not other artworks as the references.
I really appreciate and aggree with what you said here!
I once made a drawing of two running wolves, without any reference, and published it on DeviantART. I got immediate backlash of people assuming I had stolen an apparently very popular comic (which I knew from name but had never read) because the pause was almost 100% similar to one of the drawings in a recent chapter.
This was very hard for me because it was just... Well there aren't infinite pauses for running wolves, and I just happened to have make the same composition choices as this other very well known artist.
I think people should calm down about assuming art theft from pauses, or even style... in my opinion if a style defines an artist... it is not copyrighted and people are free to try and make similar stuff... it always existed, and that's how big "currents" in art were created... and gave birth to new ones
Its a def yay for references. It's inspirational and perfect for a art block too get back in too things. Even with reading books with no picture's and you make a picture of the story that you read is also a reference. Even if you draw out of your mind you always have a reference without knowing it is. And even artist back in the day uses references, van gogh, Rembrandt, you name it. Look at there art and the back stories of it and you'll read that it is all with reference. And i think reference and copy something and say its yours is a different thing. It not the same.
omg voll schön 😍
I remember back when I was younger, the witch hunt season was rampant on dA. And for some reason I kind of agreed. I never hunted anyone down but it made me avoid references. All that did was stunt my growth as an artist. All I did was throw out an important source material to learn ;(
je suis francais et je te suis depuis un moment et je t adore