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Celeste McCall · 12-29-2003, 10:49 AM

Dear Henry,

That is great that he can do that. It's also great even if an artist uses only photos to paint from. I hope that no one would think that I am saying that photographs are not necessary for portraiture.

I'm just saying that there are alternatives that will help one get completely original pictures by not using photographs.

We were discussing the legal issues in another forum about using pictures that were not our own and I was just trying to say that our minds are so full of original pictures that I really don't see a need for pictures to use for reference, unless you are painting to get a likeness for a client, of course.

I understand that when painting for the public then it is very important to have photos for reference. I would prefer to get to know the client. Use pictures that they like and also take some pictures of them as well. Then go home and formulate a plan. Then see what's in my minds eye about them, then present the ideas to them. Then have the clothing, background, props etc. ready for live painting with the person. That to me is the ultimate creative experience.

Using photographs entirely is, to me anyway, so limiting. Some photographs feel like they need a bicycle air pump inserted into the picture to put some life into them. Maybe it's the skill of the photographer that makes a great reference photograph? But even then, sometimes, I think that photographs "lie" when it comes to form and the correct colors and values.

Also, it's most important to use reference materials and I don't mean to say that this is not as good as any other way to paint. I'm only trying to say that there are alternative ways to paint any subject.

I'm most impressed with Henry Casselli's portraits. And I love the images of Carole Katchen. Perhaps both of them think a lot about mood and relationships in their paintings.

And I realize also that sometimes artists just don't have the time to get to know the people. They are just sent a photograph and told, "Could you paint Uncle Billy with a red smoking jacket and ascot instead of that fishing vest that he's wearing in this picture?" That's okay and nothing wrong with it. We all have to work with what we have available to us.

Thanks for your input on the subject, Henry. I really enjoyed reading it.

12-29-2003, 10:49 AM	#3
Celeste McCall Juried Member FT Professional PA Joined: Dec 2002 Location: Southlake, TX Posts: 162	Dear Henry, That is great that he can do that. It's also great even if an artist uses only photos to paint from. I hope that no one would think that I am saying that photographs are not necessary for portraiture. I'm just saying that there are alternatives that will help one get completely original pictures by not using photographs. We were discussing the legal issues in another forum about using pictures that were not our own and I was just trying to say that our minds are so full of original pictures that I really don't see a need for pictures to use for reference, unless you are painting to get a likeness for a client, of course. I understand that when painting for the public then it is very important to have photos for reference. I would prefer to get to know the client. Use pictures that they like and also take some pictures of them as well. Then go home and formulate a plan. Then see what's in my minds eye about them, then present the ideas to them. Then have the clothing, background, props etc. ready for live painting with the person. That to me is the ultimate creative experience. Using photographs entirely is, to me anyway, so limiting. Some photographs feel like they need a bicycle air pump inserted into the picture to put some life into them. Maybe it's the skill of the photographer that makes a great reference photograph? But even then, sometimes, I think that photographs "lie" when it comes to form and the correct colors and values. Also, it's most important to use reference materials and I don't mean to say that this is not as good as any other way to paint. I'm only trying to say that there are alternative ways to paint any subject. I'm most impressed with Henry Casselli's portraits. And I love the images of Carole Katchen. Perhaps both of them think a lot about mood and relationships in their paintings. And I realize also that sometimes artists just don't have the time to get to know the people. They are just sent a photograph and told, "Could you paint Uncle Billy with a red smoking jacket and ascot instead of that fishing vest that he's wearing in this picture?" That's okay and nothing wrong with it. We all have to work with what we have available to us. Thanks for your input on the subject, Henry. I really enjoyed reading it.