Why paint from a photograph?

I believe the best way for an artist to paint realism in the twenty-first century is to use a computer. And by using a computer with a photo editing program like Photoshop, you will create better and entirely predictable results.

The artistic freedom available to a photorealist painter is so much more than to someone who is using traditional painting techniques.

I believe the best way for an artist to paint realism in the twenty-first century is to use a computer. And by using a computer with a photo editing program like Photoshop, you will create better and entirely predictable results. The artistic freedom available to a photorealist painter is so much more than to someone who is using traditional painting techniques.

1. By freezing the moment, the camera can record fleeting moments.
2. You can capture fast moving subjects.
3. You don’t even have to take the photograph yourself; you can use any photograph.

Before you commit to the painting process, you can.

1. Experiment with compositions.
2. Make a variety of adjustments to just about any element.
3. Design something that can’t be done with traditional techniques.
4. Prepare a grid and a drawing layer.

Once you have settled on a design, you can then paint the image from your photo editor.
This allows you to.

1. Zoom in and out, pan around, etc.
2. Get information on the exact colour that you need for that element.
3. Turn the image on its side or upside down. Painting like this will increase the accuracy of what you are copying.