Is it OK for a professional painter to paint from a photograph instead of a real life model?

Question

Especially nudes, or difficult objects to find such as antique rusted cars...

Answer 1

yes... it is okay... many painters take photographs of objects they wish to paint so they can paint more effectively...

if you are using a photograph taken by another person... do give due credit to the person...

ie..
Portait of a Rust Bucket by A Artist. based on the photography of B Snapper.

Answer 2

My friend, most serious painters today use photographs when doing more realistic work mainly because hiring models is expensive and nude models are even more so. Unless you're doing a portrait of a friend or girlfriend or relative who is posing for free (or have models in class as an art student) most of us simply can't afford models.

There's certainly nothing wrong with using photos..

When I started doing portraits again right after Christmas I gathered together a large collection of used or discarded fashion magazines, photo magazines, old Saturday Evening Posts, etc. looking for subject matter that appealed to me.

Right now I'm working on a portrait of a wrinkle-faced old man that I found from an old article about Ellis Island.

And, by the way, used book stores are filled with wonderful possibilities.

Answer 3

It is OK.Before the invention of photography ,a model was the only option.Now we can use photos as well.But a model is better because you see the colors and the shades yourself ,in the light you choose.

Answer 4

It's absolutely OK, thousands of us do it every day.

It is sometimes difficult or expensive to get a live model. Photos are the cheapest alternative.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

You need a 5X7 or larger and you may want to submit several pictures, not just nude, so you can show your best face, leg, colors and hair. Only interview people you trust. I have seen
"shady ones" post your pictures and their is not much you can do.

Answer 7

Honey, you can paint from whatever you want, in whatever style or technique, and with whatever medium you want. It's what's so great about art, you can do it on just about anything, and with any medium. I love being able to experiment!!!!

Answer 8

Of course. Any port in a storm.

Answer 9

you can paint from whatever reference you wish, that is why we call it art.
it makes no difference as long as it makes you happy.