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The Daily Insight

Where can I find reference images for painting?

Author

Isabella Ramos

Updated on February 25, 2026

FREE Reference Photo Websites for Artists

  • Unsplash.
  • Jason Morgan.
  • Morguefile.
  • Paint My Photo.
  • FreePik.
  • Wildlife Reference Photos for Artists.
  • Pexels.

Do artists reference photos?

Sorry to burst your bubble people, but artists use references to create artwork. All types of references! And there’s nothing wrong with that. As most of you artists already know, this is quite a touchy and even controversial topic that a lot of people prefer not getting into.

Where can I get portrait reference photos?

Here are some additional suggestions for finding reference faces for portrait drawing practice.

  • Your old photographs with faces of friends and family.
  • Draw some self portraits.
  • Portraits of people on the TV.
  • Find Faces on Paint my Photo.
  • Free face photos on Pixabay.
  • Free portrait photos on Unsplash.

Is it illegal to paint a picture from the internet?

The creator of the photograph, i.e. the photographer, usually holds the copyright to the photo and unless they’ve expressly given permission for its use, making a painting based on a photo would infringe the photographer’s copyright.

Can I use stock photos for art?

Artwork for sale that uses a stock image requires an Extended License. This is even if you manipulate an image. It is considered that the primary value of your artwork is in the stock photo itself. In essence, without the stock photo, your artwork would not exist and you would have nothing to sell.

Can you paint someone else’s photo and sell it?

The only person who can give permission for the creation of a derivative work is the owner of the copyright. That’s fine; because you own the copyright on your image. But you would also have copyright over the painting or illustration as it is a “new” work. For a work to be “new,” it must be different enough.

What makes a good reference photo?

Photos with an obvious light source and a good sense of light and dark are much better for newer artists to learn from, since it’s much easier to see the volumes. Flat light photos require the artist to squeeze every bit of information out of the photo for any halftones, highlights or shadows to show form.

How do you take good reference photos for portrait painting?

  1. Make sure you are taking high resolution photos.
  2. Try to always use natural lighting (if you don’t have special photography lights set up)
  3. Think: What angle will suit this object best?
  4. Consider background colors.
  5. Take a lot of photos and keep them organized.
  6. Remember, your photographs are references.

Is it OK to paint from photographs?

What is photo reference for artists landscapes?

Photo Reference for Artists: Landscapes is an essential collection of detailed, inspirational photos from around the world. With more than 400 reference photos for artists you are sure to find the image of nature that catches your eye.

What is the photo reference for painting E?

Photo reference E: The tree in the foreground is the same value as the ones behind the bridge, merging the planes together. The gray bridge is flat and the line is too straight. Painting E: The three planes are now well separated and distinct.

What are the characteristics of painting D?

The foliage is too dark and lifeless, and the photo is crowded and confusing. Painting D: The whole scene is high-key and misty, which is easier on the eye because the extreme value contrasts are subdued. The line of the snow on the street is slower, and the warm sky removes the cold feeling of the scene.

Where to place the horizon when painting a river?

There are two things you ought to consider in terms of composition when painting from this photo: where you put the horizon and where you put the river. As it is at the moment, they’re both a little close to the halfway point, tending to divide the composition in half.