Using References (How, Why and Should You Even???) · The Under-Painting #3 · semiskimmedmin

[@minniesmall]

Thanks for watching! Check the video description for info on tools used and music. Oh, and before you ask, yes- I did use references for today’s drawings. I used photos I took while I was in Mexico. Also, I should quickly mention (because people love to point this stuff out in the comments) the audio changes quality a bit in the middle of the video, and after a little while it changes back. I changed up the format slightly and have plans to show my behind the scenes kind of footage of my daily life and how I fit art and work into it, in a separate video series.

[@nae_6185]

Minnie Small I LOVE YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS

[@LiskoIllustrations]

Minnie Small great idea, looking forward to that

[@ghanshyamsingh3653]

Minnie Small love your art work but wanted to know something that had been bothering me about your style... You seem to use free brushing in water colouring which is quite confident of you... Giving such a beautiful colour style to your penwork without going for perfection, it's so cool already. Please share of how you got into it, the problems and what made you so confident about your style????😐👈

[@minniesmall]

Thanks Ghandshyam 😊 I'm not entirely sure what technique you mean.. I kind of just do what I like the look of. I try to approach my work with as little pressure as possible and that's a lot easier then you're not afraid of making a mess.

[@karina-gallego]

Minnie Small Hey Minnie, I love your work, not just your paintings and drawings but I really enjoy your video style as well and your voice is so pleasant. Sometimes when I struggle with sleep I'll play one of your videos. Btw, you're gorgeous and you have lovely skin. What skincare/ beauty products do you use? With love, from NYC ✌

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hi Minnie. Great discussion on this topic which happens to be a pet peeve of mine. Believing you shouldn't use reference is a pretty naive view. I don't wish to offend any one but its just true. I never met an experienced artist that thought you shouldn't use reference. Its essential. I equate it to looking up how to spell a word in the dictionary. Its one thing to do that vs copying a story written by someone else. I enjoy your art quite a lot by the way. Thanks, Steve

[@beeze-knees]

Can we all agree that her voice is so relaxing! Also she's very insightful!

[@minniesmall]

:D Thank you cutie!

[@ghanshyamsingh3653]

Brielle Anuario yes bro!! TOTALLY AGREED 😉

[@kimolyslager]

Yes yes yes! I can watch (and even re-watch) her video's alll the time while drawing which is one of the most relaxing things in the world.

[@jaydyboo]

Yes! I love listening to a video whilst I just relax and sometimes draw. Soothing.

[@InLiquidColor]

I just don't comprehend why this is a hot topic or debate. References are amazing tools for furthering your art technique. Why wouldn't you take advantage of that? To each their own, but as with everything, people need to stop shaming others.

[@minniesmall]

Couldn't have said it better 🙌🏽

[@divinesolstice3744]

Whoever feels others shouldnt use references is missing the point of art. Art is what you want it to be. also they shouldnt push their ideal on others, especially something as personal as art. its like people who dont want pineapple on pizza. its fine if you dont want it, but dont actively shame others for liking it. it just makes you a crazy person.

[@minniesmall]

Well said! Thanks for sharing your take on it. (also I love pineapple on pizza and people always have something to say about it.... like it's not your pizza so why are you bothered?! lol)

[@cris_tamay]

Dadaism is art. Is to have one unique idea. With that in mind why wouldn't it be art if you paint from a picture?

[@AmyGiglio7683]

I firmly believe that drawing from reference is not cheating. There are plenty of copyright free image sources online you can incorporate into your work. But even if you are "copying" a reference you are never going to create an exact replica. You are a human, not a copy machine. Your perspective and your touch is going to shine through. You could have 10 people draw the same thing and all 10 drawings would come out completely different. Just like your hand writing, your art is unique to you. Not to mention a reference doesn't have to be a photo. It could be a bouquet of flowers on your desk, or sitting out on the sidewalk urban sketching. I would guess that nearly very image in your head is based off something you have seen in real life at some point. I prefer to work from real objects because the human eye perceives light and color in a different way than a camera. I also take my own reference photos when possible. But when I paint I am putting my individual perspective down on paper. I am changing reality to suit my aesthetic. If you want to call that copying, go ahead, but in a world where (nearly) everything has already been done, one could argue that EVERYTHING is copying, especially with art. Personally, I just go with the flow, paint what inspires me, and so long as I am not breaking any copyright laws, I don't limit myself by worrying about using "references", every thing I experience becomes a reference at my disposal.

[@ErikaLancasterArt]

Totally agree! One of my favorite artists, Norman Rockwell, used photographic references. As you said, three different artists can be using the same bowl of fruit (picture, real life or whatever) as a reference and they are all going to turn out very different because it's how one digests visual information and how we decide to recreate it in our own style that counts. As you said, there are many online photographic resources that artists (or anyone) can use for free and with no legal repercussions. These honestly have saved me in times that I really want to practice and have no time to take pictures myself. This said, I don't think I would ever sell them, even though for the most part they've ended up very different from the original picture. Whenever possible, it's best to take our own photos. I get so confused when I see people disheartened because they wouldn't be able to create artwork without having a reference! It takes an immense amount of talent to take what one views with his/her eyes and turn it into an original artwork! What I DO consider cheating would be to take a predigested artwork and copying that as one's own. I also think it is super important to remain respectful of a photographer's work and never use it without permission unless it is a study that will remain in our private sketchbooks. I think it totally depends on the artist's type of work as well. Somebody who paints fantastical creatures or already has an immense amount of practice painting landscapes probably doesn't need a reference. However, if one is more of an illustrator and has a very wide variety of subjects that one needs to draw/paint on the regular, then references are necessary. Clients SEND us reference images to use many times and what they pay for is for us to turn that object, portrait or whatever it is, into a stylized version of it. As an Art Teacher, I encourage my students to look for inspiration EVERYWHERE, and I would never limit them, especially if they are just starting in their art journeys! I would never give them the impression that using references is wrong. On the contrary, I would encourage them to collect references of things that they feel drawn to and truly observe them, learn from them all and come up with something as original as possible. Artists have always been inspired by art before them... and this goes for all kinds of art (music, movies, etc.)! We are all inspired by the things we like whether we are conscious of it or not. And the line of what is right or wrong can be debated until the cows come home but these "rules" created by random people should never keep us from progressing and creating! Peace!

[@haleyspence]

Right? I love Pexels and Pixabay, both are completely royalty and credit free, to "use professionally or personally"--It's really helpful

[@roselightz_3027]

I think references are fine. If you can draw just from your mind GREAT, but even imagination is essentially information you took in with your eyes at some point, even "otherworldly creatures" are based on something and the reference and information are important for you to learn. You wouldn't believe a medical study that someone wrote without having used any reference and research and it would also be wrong if the author of that study wouldn't credit the creators of his study material. For art it is just the same in my opinion.

[@nataliehewit]

The only place I see any kind of argument about reference is on youtube. Reference has been used throughout history, some of the most famous artists ever became famous through using other people's images. Look at Andy Warhol mass producing already well known images in his own style, or Marcel Duchamp simply applying his signature to a urinal and calling it his own art, actually the entire 'ready made' art movement could be considered plagiarism if you wanted to get precious about it. Even one of Albert Einsteins most famous quotes "The secret to creativity is hiding your sources". People need to stop being so hung up on where they find there inspiration/ "reference" and get on with creating whatever makes them happy.

[@ja6138]

Girl!! You can refill your Microns or FB pens with India ink....any brand. Just pull the nib out and squeeze some ink into the little cotton part inside !!! :)

[@minniesmall]

omg you're a life-saver, thank you!

[@ja6138]

Minnie Small you're so welcome!!! When I discovered this my little mind was blown!! Lol

[@swimmingagainsttheti]

I use reference photos all the time simply due to the wide variety of figures (people and objects) that simply aren't available to me in reality. But I don't feel like I would ever trace a reference (unless it was my own drawn that got messed up and I wanted to redo it). While, I do believe it can help people starting to draw, I would feel like a cheat if I traced a drawing.

[@minniesmall]

That's a good point. I'm also not keen on the idea of tracing.

[@ghanshyamsingh3653]

BetweenTwo Lungs I think every artist has a harsh corner in their creative minds about Tracing, it's just I guess about keeping honesty with your passion...

[@AmruthaViswanath]

BetweenTwo Lungs I totally agree!

[@magdalenaairi2260]

that's actually one of the most interesting if not the most interesting art related talks I ever heard

[@minniesmall]

Wow, thanks. I really appreciate that 😊

[@s.d.3222]

If you draw a line on a sheet of paper it becomes a creation that you made. It is something that didn't exist before. It doesn't matter if that line was traced, free-handed, or drawn from reference. It is your creation. Yes, as an artist we all must be careful about copyright infringement. But artwork done from reference is still art. Just my simplified take on the subject.

[@katrinE3499]

I haven't even finished the video but you've inspired me to paint ..your videos always have that effect

[@minniesmall]

That's wonderful, thank you x

[@Thoughtspresso]

Minnie, youre really becoming one of my absolute favorite KZbinrs. Your work is fantastic. You speak really well and have many great ideas, and it's really soothing to even just listen to you passively. I love your work and your personality is inspiring.

[@minniesmall]

Aww thank you so much for this :)

[@misbhvprada1310]

i really like watching your videos while drawing. you always inspire me to create something, a simple doodle or just journaling! thank you minnie❤️

[@minniesmall]

Thank *you* for watching :)

[@taylorgrace6591]

I think a big thing for me is when I draw with a reference (and it's not fan art) I always try to not copy but instead get inspiration like if I wanted a girl with her head slightly turned to the right I would look it up draw the basics and then finish the rest with my own ideas hopefully that makes some sense

[@eimy649]

Seeing you draw this just makes me soo happy! I am from Mexico currently living away from home and your drawing just made me feel so nostalgic, you're so talented and inspiring, really makes me want to draw something new every time I watch your videos.

[@rachelmasseyart]

Recently I've seen many artists online address this referencing issue and I love that techniques are being talked about but it's so weird to me that some people think that using references is wrong somehow. All the way through my schooling- from secondary school to university I've been taught to use references and no it's not always copying an image/photo/still life exactly for the finished artwork but it's so important as a basis/foundation to build on for what you're trying to create. I pretty much always use references and if my mind goes blank on what to draw, I draw stuff that's around me. You can also search for copyright free/ public domain resources for artists, I've used a few of those too. Love this video as usual, you have a great calming, creative feel about your videos 💙💙

[@purohiti]

I just cannot believe how in love with your channel i am!! You offer such great insight into thinking like an artist and your voice is so wonderful to have around. You have really inspired me to view the world differently and challenge me to draw something every day and reflect my life through emotions, images, thoughts, patterns, objects and surroundings. Minnie Small, you are incredible 😍

[@rosedenali7676]

Dear Minnie, this video really helped and inspired me! It is so relaxing listening to your advice, and you seem to be a truly calm and lovely person. Thank you and stay the way you are ❤

[@ChiliTamale]

You are an inspiration. I love to paint especially with acrylic and watercolor but lately due to my full time job i find it so difficult to be motivated to sketch and paint. Love watching videos on the weekend and thank you for this 18+ min video. Keep up your amazing work.

[@codymavick9068]

Giving art too many rules and limitations takes the soul out of it. It might as well be a math test rather than an art piece.

[@cookingdownsouthwithcarol8909]

What is the difference in looking at a building, in person, and copying it, and looking at a building online, and copying it? The same! It takes an artist to render a beautiful outcome, no matter where they see it. I love your talent! ❤️

[@lilamybigworld]

I can't do a thing without a reference. I have just started getting into drawing and art in general and trying to practice more often, but I'm hoping I can draw simple faces and animals without a reference. This video really helped me realize that I should definitely should try things without using a reference whenever I can, so thank you!

[@georgiapeach8236]

I love that you used Norman Rockwell as an example. I've been a huge fan of his since I was a little girl. His process has always inspired me to not only use more references but to also be willing to change the reference to better convey your ideas.

[@bellegreen8309]

your aesthetic is so nice, thank you for blessing me with these videos

[@minniesmall]

You're so welcome! thank you for watching!

[@joshuacornwell3703]

I think using a reference is perfectly acceptable it's like saying write a horror story without seeing a horror story ever before or like saying write the best sentence you can and not ever having knowledge of words, I think drawing from complete memory is impossible you must have see something (a reference) before to capture the reality as an artist we must always know the real and reference is the best way to assess the real, art shouldn't be a memory game xx

[@dinahussein2397]

Your art has inspired me recently. I enjoy watching your videos because you don't only have "perfect" masterpieces. You show art pieces that you've had trouble in. I've always loved to draw and paint and now I love it more. You've given me so many different techniques. Ur such an inspiration

[@minniesmall]

That's so lovely of you to say! Thanks for watching :)

[@pepperberryhouse3833]

I love that you said references are OK for educational purposes. In art school we were given life drawing sketches of famous artists, to copy. We were rarely taught to draw from imagination. This week I've decided to start drawing again, and I still really struggle with drawing from memory. I've always found practising the works I find inspiring, having them in front of me, is a great way to improve my skills because the lines and shapes and curves are recorded as muscle memory. So when I am creating something original, what comes out might resemble other artists work, but it's still mine. I guess what I'm trying to say is without references we'd be very limited as artists. Even Einstein said creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. Thank you for this video, being an artist and a creator is all about the mindset, and i'd love to see more videos about the process of creating 'art'.

[@powerpuff4ever]

I found myself in a bit of a rut because of this recently. I felt like the only thing I could draw independently was a standard, front facing body (of one type). Complex poses and buildings and animals and even nature are completely lost on me without reference. I think once I got to a point where I felt like I had the skill to do something more completed and began seeing a style that I was happy with, I pushed actually learning to the side a bit. Even my sketch books are mainly a reflection of what I've already learned how to do. I've gotten way too comfortable with that. Thank you for putting words to this. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one whose ever felt a bit reliant and I feel more reassured that I can continue to study. That was a bit long winded of me but lots of love to you, Minnie xx

[@minniesmall]

Lots of love to you too pumpkin 😊😊 I'm always so grateful to know that people can relate xx

[@ΓωγώΚατσαρού]

I know it isn't video related but it is so thoughtfull of you to create subtitles for your videos! Just wanted to let you know it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@JemimaRose]

when you said it was "1:30 o'clock" i was so confused i've never heard anyone say that but actually there's nothing wrong with it lol

[@Datboydayung1]

Jemima Rose right I pause and was like WHATTT???

[@YellowMelle]

I draw from references/life all the time... especially since that one time in highschool I painted an animal and got that animal so wrong that the teacher didn't know what it was. Embarrassing! Thing is... if you draw a thing, like a sparrow for example... if you first draw/paint it from many references, over and over in a sketchbook, you will eventually be able to do it from memory. So i don't think you can really be dependent on a reference forever! If I tried to draw it from memory the first time, and then all the time, I might accidentally learn it the wrong way, and then I'd have to unlearn it later. Makes me think of the time young me took up cross stitching. I wasted so many unfinished kits because I didn't know to separate the threads or do it by efficient rows. If only I had access to a reference then!

[@calebwashere1154]

sorry i just need to point out how beautiful all of your videos are!!!! from the editing to the lighting and background music not to mention your voice, style, and BEAUTIFUL ART!!! i just love your channel and i look forward to every video! thank you for that

[@SapphosSails]

A great topic and as others have said, I don't think I could ever get tired of listening to you talk about things. Top tier voice! :D

[@ghanshyamsingh3653]

Minnie you are amazing and so creative, I'm inspired by every word of yours, I think art as a learning creative process would never be complete without references and it is our responsibility as artists to use them wisely, like a secret, just keep it to yourself for a start and try to play with it before going public. make the piece your own in every aspect. I am such a reference user👈😉 but my pieces would never match them really if I call them mine to you. Now that's art... 'Sketching is about owning your art not your pen'

[@karolsartoasis4815]

This is such a great topic. Your right I do at times take the lazy way out of going to the internet and o line. But using my sketchbook out and about drawing things out doors and things in my life has really been amazing to push me to go beyond my boundaries. Really its all about expanding our comfort zones all art dose not have to be perfect its always a work in progress until us the artist declare it complete. But I think your right the internet should be further down my list as a resource. I am going to work on that.

[@kijiart2813]

I've been sitting here and watching your videos for the past hour. You're so soft-spoken and easy to tune into. :)

[@moonlightcabin9395]

An interesting debate, no doubt. And as usual, your travel journal has left me so inspired

[@shaktibutterfly]

I have used reference photos but try to change them. I've worked through many pages in a sketchbook to create an unique piece of art using the same photo. Working creatively this way is beneficial to breaking through old habits and allowing something else to emerge. I have found sketchbooks to be vital to the creative process. Love all your videos, you are going places Minnie :-)

[@nine-vi7rw]

There's a *huge difference between referencing and mindless copying*. Using references can be a great tool. So many concept artists use multiple references. Do you think they copy it whole? No. Copying is forbidden in the professional industry, you can use references essentially to create something original. The concept artist are also required to mention/credit their references. Copying from photos disables one from understanding depth and perspective. Photos give you a distorted view of reality, and while they are *good tools*, mindless copying from photos doesn't make one an artist. You have a skill set but you aren't able to create something original. The goal of artists is to learn the principles of Art and ideally draw from life and most importantly, imagination. References are a good tool to aid your imagination but copying them directly won't make you an artist.

[@AnnamoonFineArt]

I have the same Faber-Castell ink set. You can refill them with normal ink. with a tongs you can remove the cap on the bottom and then drop some drops with a pipete on the stick inside.

[@Alina-sm5ot]

Drawing from references for me isn’t cheating at all. When you draw from a photo it seems for me to be like an inspirational source because your own creativity and ideas will normally drive the finished project into an other direction than the original photography. Also when you worry about copyright or stealing from others you can take your own photographs and draw from them... Sometimes help with difficult motives is needed as drawing animals... you just don’t know them as good as other things that you see every day but that’s no problem in my thinking you can always work out how to draw them with different resources and find your own style of drawing things before you start with the idea that you’ve had. (Looking at the skeleton of animals often helps me to get their correct shape) After all the video was great as always and a big motivation to keep going! Thank you.

[@cr0w3at3r]

It's been a minute since I've tuned into your videos. I've been feeling a bit stressed lately n your videos always help me chill out so it feels good to be caught up again, missed you min!

[@OrganizedPlannerChic]

This video is so inspiring! I can't begin to express how much you encourage me to jump out of my comfort zone.

[@JayKLLee]

Hi Minnie, I continue to be impressed by your maturity, intelligence and creativity of your artwork and your discussions. Keep up the excellent work and I wish you success in all that you do. Jay

[@minniesmall]

Thanks so much, Jay. That's so kind of you x

[@hellanistpunk3282]

I was a photography student and lately I've been using old prints of photos I took on my film camera as references because I found (personally) that using my film camera gave me a better image composition as I put more thought into it.

[@Ava-gy3qw]

you make the most relevant videos and that is so appreciable. any resources i need, i can be sure to find it here. I'd been asking myself this question for wayy too long but again, was confused about the correct way of referencing, etc. This vid really helped me out!

[@marie_lira]

I found the video very interesting because I've always thought that references are just things you can get information from, so I would never think people are using it as whole base for a drawing, for example, some of Andy Warhol's pieces may be fully copies and not referenced. So I'm glad to hear someone talking about this whole subject. I hope you enjoyed your time here in Mexico!

[@miniblin13]

your videos are like therapy to me

[@lexyranger]

One thing I do want to add, in reference to copyright and legality with online photos: Google Image search now allows you to filter works by copyright now! While searching for something, click the 'tools" button, and then "usage rights". There you'll be able to choose whichever rights fit you best, like "Labeled for reuse with modification" (great for photoshop elements) or "Labeled for noncommercial reuse" (great to use as references for practice sketches). Keep in mind the difference between each type or "reuse"; most importantly, "noncommercial reuse" means that you can use the media for your work, but CANNOT sell whatever you create with it. So be careful with ads and things. Hope this helps!

[@UniqueDesignStudio1]

I use photos as reference and I'm a fiber artist and I do find myself feeling extremely bad but then I realize how hard I work to capture that image to help me move towards my goal of panning out my vision. Also one of my favorite artist Kit King and her husband Cory Oda, use photo references and it's breathtaking.

[@isabella_bubola]

You tackled an interesting and though subject! I'm a photographer and also an illustrator and I've also started snapping a lot of my own reference material (lately I'm more inspired by what I see than what I imagine) that I have at my disposal at any time. I also model for myself to get certain poses right. I like drawing faces in my sketchbook that I see on other photographers' Instagram feeds, but the fact that it's purely for ''art's sake'' and not monetary compensation (plus I tag the photo's creator) leads me to think it's absolutely okay to use reference in this way. At the academy we had models standing in front of us for drawing classes and that was also reference, although live, and not on screen/paper/photograph.

[@dragonsong86]

I think this whole topic is highly dependent upon where you are in your art journey, and why you're making art in the first place. If you're a beginner, you need it, if you're a pro, you need to go back to it at LEAST now & then for study, if you're aspiring to an art career, you need to work your butt off and learn to really do it right, if you're a hobbyist who isn't even selling, then whatever, just don't break any laws. Public sharing is where you are at risk as a non-selling hobbyist. No SWAT team is gonna break in your door and demand to see inside your private sketchbook, no matter how much copyright infringement is in there.

[@itsloyal6337]

I think that with time and getting away from references, you will directly draw your ideas without the references, you have very advanced drawing skills that you worked on a lot and you don't need the references as much as you think you do ;), I'm sure of it! You are an amazing artist and I think you will soon enough not use references :3 Side note: amazing video, as always! I said references too many times x)

[@Halloloprsalulut]

Good luck with trying to art using less references!! I know I often do what ou said you'd do: jotting down new ideas in just a few messy lines, sometimes i'll add a few words.. i've got a cheap notebook just for that actually. Then when I need to look up things to make studies I can do that in the same notebook, and I'll just flip back and forth when making the final artwork. It's worked pretty good so far, and although there's always area for improvement I do think it allows my art to feel *mine*... so yeah... good luck, and I'll look forward to seeing that video next month!!

[@Zyzyem]

I just love watching your videos. Your videos are so calm and thy just make me relaxe so much. Your voice is just so calm. Pls continue to draw or paint because you are so talented at it. You inside me so much in every day tasks. Thank you for this video. It really shed some light on the fact that it is really ok to use a reference if you use it right. Lots of love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@honeyblueberrie6880]

In my art class, we had t pick out reference photos and email them to my teacher. One of the things she said that she wouldn't allow in us choosing our reference photo is using other's artwork. I believe that this rule had a meaning behind it. She wouldn't accidentally plagiarize or copy other's works, and she was teaching us the have the eye to spot the difference between someone's hand-made art and photography.

[@manel860]

Your editing is amazing and this video is so good . And then I hear your voice and the video is even better

[@quintonsmith3097]

I can't believe there is a single skilled artist, who believes you shouldn't use reference. The idea is insane.

[@susinok]

What about plein air? That is using a reference, it's just that you are right there taking in the scene first hand. Or a botanical artist painting a rose in a vase or cut flower or leaf they brought indoors. That's also a reference. It's a great tool to learn the proportions of a subject. Photo reference a great learning tool. Plus there are may copyright free or creative commons photo sites for artists out there. Right now I'm focusing on landscapes and flowers. It's the middle of winter, so I need a bit of help to get my flower practice in. But I am still assembling the picture myself, choosing where everything goes, and using the reference so that I get the pansy's proportions correct.

[@Sketchartbymarc1]

Hi Great vid. Appreciate your perspective. I agree. Reference is an awesome research tool and catalyst at times to get going with certain pieces in terms of focus, technical elements, etc., When used right all is well and natural creativity flows through. On another level the whole "to reference or not to reference" thing seems to be largely a question of what one "wants" to consider as art. Highly subjective. Similar to the inevitable disconnects that arise when discussing (or debating...) the differences between "fine art" and "illustration." There are definitive perspectives but often a good deal of crossover. Whether people admit it or not is an "entirely" different question.} All comes down to a question of what one might "want" to consider as "fine art" over illustration. But as far as the "using reference" discussion, most ironic point of all is that we actually use reference ALL the time in the form of memory. So bottom line:. Use reference right. Be creative. Have fun and don't stress too much about it. :)

[@madelynsmith8281]

Great advise. I just recently started using references from the library for painting animals. Especially birds. I need to go back to coming up with my own ideas. Most of my ideas would be the lack of knowing how to draw such animals from my head without using a reference photo. But I know I am loosing myself in the process. Will try to paint more from memory. 🙂

[@nicoleskey]

This is very peaceful and enjoyable to watch💖✨

[@unityofbalancestudios256]

Foreshortening was particularly studied in the method you speak of in this video. It is because of the introduction of the abstract camera shots that are so up close that they look abstract. remember that "if" it is your own content that "you" can alter it. Just do not alter existing work that its not yours.

[@menwithven2862]

Well u just dumped all over GCSE art THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@ratatoing3574]

THIS IS SO AESTHETIC I LOVE IT

[@marixx9848]

Thanks for your idea about breaking away from reference.. I think I'll try that too this month..I probably rely a little too much on reference photos and I should work toward breaking that habit

[@MissOwlB]

In regards to the copyright, I use sites such as Pixabay and Unsplash which are royalty free image sites. I use them to practice drawing likeness, and it gives me peace of mind that I can use for proper paintings if I wish :)

[@ClareWillcocks]

Beautiful journal and fantastic video, I feel so relaxed after watching! What a lovely memory of your trip :)

[@ThePattiw]

Love the double ended paint brush!! Great tips, thank you.

[@aliciasangermanderson296]

This is beautiful, thank you for letting Mexico inspire you 💚

[@vaikolokotronis]

I must say Minnie..a very good approach on the subject and well said!

[@heeeeyjai]

I’m so glad you’re my new art inspiration 💜💜💜 your voice is perfect to listen to while creating!

[@corintia13x]

You are so classy, i love your attitude, your videos and of course, your art♥

[@yvonnebouwhuis9419]

One of my classes during my undergrad was about art and appropriation taught by someone who specialized in copyright. I wish I remembered more of it it was an really interesting perspective on art. I use references all the time in my work, mostly things I have taken myself and occasionally online photos for when I had an idea of an object or scene and wanted to spend an evening working on it that night to paint something ( because sometimes you just need to paint) . Maybe it is because I am not too bothered about being innovative or new when I paint, I just want to paint for me as an escape from daily life rather than to try and make a point for someone else or try and send anyone a message. It does take an amount of skill to transform an idea from one medium to another. If you are trying to make a career or large amounts of money out of your art than I think you have to be careful with how you source your references but I don't think there is any reason to feel like you lack skill because you use references, you are making use of the resources available to you as an artist in the 21st century, and my cat is never going to sit still long enough for me to make a painting of her without a reference 😉

[@hillsygirl101]

loved this video! at the end, when you said you would do more studies instead of using references directly, does that mean like watching documentaries and looking at books? what does a study include?

[@nbsi]

hillary Haha no, study (in art talk) means to study an object in front of you and try to draw it closest to the real thing in realism, hoped this helped ;)

[@sylviamorris8730]

Exactly what Nabia said. So the idea would be that if you want to draw an elephant into your picture, you copy (do 'studies' of) lots and lots of pictures of elephants directly from photos, so that you can slowly learn how an elephant works. And then once you've done lots of 'studies' of elephants and you kinda get them, you can draw an elephant in an imaginary pose that you haven't copied from anywhere.

[@kerri6011]

Yea sometimes people do photo digital painting studies where they try to replicate the colors shadows in the picture to help their digital painting

[@halloooo1duuuuu]

I think there's no problem with using a reference, as long as you respect copyright. I've got in contact with photographers, showed them the results etc. When I draw people I'd never publish the drawing without the person's permission. Unless, of course, there is no way the person can't be recognised for some reason. I also don't see a problem with tracing. I've traced foundation lines before so that I can really concentrate on coloring the drawing.

[@mandy7674]

This video was so informative,I learnt a lot. Thank you xx

[@thisisbrandyb]

I was just wondering about references yesterday. Thanks for this!

[@tjdewet2868]

Even a topic or a heading is a reference to the content. The same way a reference picture is a piece of information to give context to content of your painting/drawing. The only time "copying" would be "wrong" is when you deliberately use someone elses painting or drawing to gain financially.

[@kanooklapook414]

For me personally i need to draw something first a couple of types from reference before i can imagine the form in different positions and such. I really use references to expand my "artistic vocabulary". For example, I sketch a lot of landscapes but i've never drawn a bull before, so if you asked me to draw a vast hilly field I could make a representation of one easily; but if you asked me to put a bull in there you're out of luck.

[@Marta_z_Dabrowy]

Using references is normal, I don't even understand why questioning this. Famous artists, painters used refs and we, ordinary people shouldn't? Thanks for great video.

[@aprilrainsfineart3250]

It all depends on what you want out of your art. For artist's focused on realism, copying royalty free reference photos isn't cheating or bad or somehow less superior than putting a twist on it or making it more stylized. They just have a completely different goal for their art. For artist's who's goal is to express themselves through their art copying a someone else's photo completely probably isn't going to help them with their goal. They'll end up expressing the photographer's idea more than their own. And if they parade that as their own idea then that's deceitful and 'less superior' you could say than if they admitted that they copied it from the start. Etc, etc But whether you 'copy' a reference photo or not, you're still creating art that's no more or less superior than any other piece of art simply based off that fact. Both sides of the table take a lotttt of skill

[@LeOrigamiMatine]

Beautiful picture of my lovely city!!!

[@gracesellers4871]

I love creating my own references. Going out and taking pictures and creating artwork from them. Photography is another artwork as well.

[@arcuda2001]

The truth is , there is really nothing out there in the creative world that is truly authentic and original... is like a recipe .. no recipe is totally original.. it has evolved and been edited, or added to, etc. Everything has been done, in one way or another .. anyway, thanks so much for all of your videos and information ... be well

[@Aveilas11]

I feel like you can do whatever you want for practice: tracing, copying, etc. Hell, copying someone's art is often used as a teaching tool to get you to see how they do it. You're not putting that art on display or selling it. It's just for you to practice. When it comes to art you plan on publishing/selling, that's when you want to filter whatever reference you use for help through your own lens. You may use one photo for the pose, another for lighting, a third for expression, and by that point, I think the art becomes something truly your own. It's never bad to use tools to help your art. At least, that's my opinion.

[@jaydyboo]

I personally think there is nothing wrong with references. We can take a lot of inspiration and create something completely different. Sometimes all it takes is the colour palette, a door or even a pattern. I actually draw a lot of human portraits so I need references really, but I've also drawn a set of gypsy paintings that I got inspiration from a few jewels I saw.

[@PegRobinson]

Thank you for this. Great talk and inspiration.

[@minniesmall]

Thank you for watching 😊😀

[@unityofbalancestudios256]

I was an art model and I can only hope that I am out there somewher e.

[@joykylaouano3180]

Hi! I want to thank you for inspiring me to start my own little channel even though im still not good like you. I've been planning this for how long and atlast i did it! I owe you 😊 have fun!

[@Pintandoconsandycoronado]

Your voice is so soothing

[@soniasundar6960]

Another great video!!💙

[@minniesmall]

Thank you :) You have a great profile picture lol

[@sylviamorris8730]

I always do a few thumbnails of the idea in my head before I start looking for references and I bet you'll get used to it super quick too! It definitely helps a lot with making my work feel more like me. Sometimes you'll have to change a lot (like... a lot) once you start learning to draw the elements of the picture properly (or once you put in a proper perspective eep) but the original thumbnails always help ground it as my own. Also, my lifesavers are a full length mirror and a selfie stick. I can shoot so much reference with that :D

[@mikhailhunter5277]

In Google images, click on tools, then usage rights and select one of the "label for reuse..." options.

[@taquiahgordon]

Ur voice is so soothing and this video was so helpful. Love ur videos💟

[@04nbod]

When talking about older artists I think we need to remember the context. These painters were largely not luvvies who want to talk about concept and feeling etc. These were workers. No different from carpenters. Painting was their trade. They made paintings to sell. And to sell paintings you painted what people wanted to buy. Your time was money, you didn't have time to get things wrong. So using a Camera Obscura was not to them 'cheating' it was them using all the materials to hand to help their work. A Carpenter isn't going to feel he's cheating by using an electric sander instead of doing it by hand after all. It was a painters job to portray a scene on canvas, how it got on canvas is no big deal. That said, its not like these people didn't have skills. They obviously could draw and paint very well. As such tracing should not be used when you are trying to improve and learn.

[@sadiejay_]

Did you not learn to write letters from tracing?

[@user-jk1lb5cg1z]

I try to use as little references as possible, though I fully support proper use of them. Luckily I'm more of a portrait artist and have friends who are kind enough to let me reference their selfies/photos of them.

[@amandareimer5560]

What about taxidermy? I am trying to illustrate a story that takes place in the arctic and I have been using pictures I took of stuffed polar bears and such as reference. Mind you, I have put my own style into the drawings. Thoughts?