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Michael Georges · 08-15-2003, 08:41 PM

Jeff:

I think that the intent of using photos as reference is to make the painting better than the photo - that at least is always my goal.

I don't think of it as xeroxing the photo, but making it better and closer to life. As Bill Whitaker told me once (paraphrase), a subject seen from life is a perfect 10, a great photo of the same subject is a semi-acceptable 5. Our goal is to get our painting to a perfect 8 to 9.5. It is not about just copying what you see, it is about approaching life with paint.

This is why working from life gives such immense advantages.

08-15-2003, 08:41 PM	#2
Michael Georges PAINTING PORTRAITS FROM LIFE MODERATOR FT Professional Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 846	Jeff: I think that the intent of using photos as reference is to make the painting better than the photo - that at least is always my goal. I don't think of it as xeroxing the photo, but making it better and closer to life. As Bill Whitaker told me once (paraphrase), a subject seen from life is a perfect 10, a great photo of the same subject is a semi-acceptable 5. Our goal is to get our painting to a perfect 8 to 9.5. It is not about just copying what you see, it is about approaching life with paint. This is why working from life gives such immense advantages. __________________ Michael Georges www.fineportraitsinoil.com Michael's Life Drawing & Painting Blog Regular and consistent work from life will improve your portraits. Drawing skills are the foundation of all an artist does.