How do you get from photo to canvas?

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Gear,

I admit ! I cheat !!

I use all my knowledge whenever I can. But for most of the times it is not enough.

When I am out in nature, making watercolors I measure with my brush and thumb, and in happy moments I can measure using only my eyes, simply by staring for a long time and then seeing the figure on my paper in reversed colors, but in the right, sight size, scale. Is that cheating?

When I do a complicated likeness from a small photo, I take measures to get the right proportions. OK I cheat, but only for a start.

I have never finished a painting only by cheating. I always have to get into the scene and live by the figure, understand it and feel it, before I can do anything of interest.

If cheating is all, I wonder why so few come up with results !

Gear, this is not meant for you, but you inspired me to do this conclusion.

Thanks Allan.