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Writer's pictureJacqueline Supra

I often get asked the question "Should I use my own reference material / images etc when learning to paint?"

Updated: Oct 10

You're absolutely right, and your perspective on the creative process is insightful.



Using your own reference photos creates a personal connection to the subject. This connection cannot be matched by using someone else’s images.


It’s not just about copying what you see but translating an experience, emotion, or moment onto the canvas. Seeing the light and feeling the atmosphere in your reference makes your artwork more real and meaningful. It adds depth to what you create.


The act of photographing a subject yourself also enables you to capture the composition, lighting, and mood exactly as you envision it. Your creative process begins when you pick a subject. Every choice you make shows your unique artistic vision.


From capturing the image to translating it onto canvas, you’re telling a story that is entirely your own, shaped by both your technical skills and personal connection to the scene.


Practicing with other people's reference photos can be helpful. There is a place for this in learning and improving skills. However, creating from your own references adds more meaning. It's like a signature on your process from beginning to end, making the finished piece something truly personal.


Your thoughts on this match what many artists believe. Art is strongest when it comes from a close connection with the subject. This can be a landscape, still life, or portrait. Do you have a favorite experience or subject that inspired one of your proudest works?


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