[Richard Budig]

I learned the neatest trick from Chris Saper when your reference is a photo. I tape it lightly to a clean piece of paper, and hang it in front of a common 60 watt bulb. It really helps. Photo references tend to be dull and difficult at best. Letting a slightly softened light shine through them has had a positive outcome for paintings that have to be done from photos. It's not as scientific as Photoshop, but it sure brightens up a dull prospect.