Using Photographs to Jumpstart New Paintings
Hello fellow artists!
Today I wanted to chat about using your environment as jumpstart for a photograph and new painting.
I often start with a photograph I took to begin a painting project. I am not a professional photographer but it is more than a hobby and I did study the art in college for 3 semesters. At that time my passion was the dark room and black & white photography. I still don’t have the logistics down on digital menus on the camera, but I have always had a good eye for what to focus on. Nature and architecture is my strongest suit.
What to photograph? Pay attention to what scene literally “grabs you”, causes you to pause and stays with you for days afterwards. That is the photograph you want to use to refresh you memories of a great hike, or event, or just something you truly enjoy. For myself, this is bird life, the red fox, rivers, lakes, and mountain. Central Oregon is a gold mine for that. This segways often to what I paint. When you capture a picture of something that claims your mind and heart, the passion will inform your painting as well.
This Lone Tree painting was created from a photo I took while on a trip with my partner (now spouse) to Sedona, AZ. The hike was the West Fork Trail on Oak Creek. This hike is a wonderful option 365 days of the year— in the fall, maple trees turn a bright red; in the winter, icicles dangle from the red rocks. Note the blues and golds that reflect the natural mineral in the rock there. The colors are what kept my attention the entire hike.
Here is a photo from a gorgeous day in November, 2025 around Clear lake in the McKenzie River area of Central Oregon. I was so struck by size of depth of colors from the overgrown reeds and moss. The afternoon lighting brought out deep reflections. We came around a corner and “BAM!” I was captured. Last Winter came late so our Fall was very long. We were surprised by how long the fall colors were lasting and felt very fortunate. I still can conjure up fond memories of that day just looking at these pieces of art.
Now in the end, the final project may look quite different. It will all depend on what elements of that photo stand out for you at a particular time. Then it also will be driven by what media you want to use- water color, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, graphite etc. Often, I decide as I paint and end up with mixed media.
Would you like to share a favorite photo of yours? What aspect entices you to paint it? Enjoy!
