Using References in Art

“It’s not real art if you copy a picture.”

“Real artists don’t use references.”

“References are cheating!”

If you do art, or have ever done art, I’m sure you’ve heard these comments from people, whether that be other artists or friends and family. So many people are vehemently against the use of references in art. Is this a legitimate concern or is it totally wrong?

References come from one of two places: a photograph or someone else’s art. I’ve used both as references before.

I believe it’s fine to copy others’ art as long as you do it for personal use only. Refrain from sharing it online if possible. If you do end up sharing the art online, always give credit, tag the original artist, and emphasize that it’s only a study, not an original idea. If the original artist asks you to take it down, respect their wishes. Copying art to improve your technique is fine in most cases, as long as you keep it to yourself.

An important quote to consider in this situation is one by Pablo Picasso:

Before reading the rest, I encourage you to comment down below about what you think this quote means!

Personally, I believe this quote means that good artists are able to replicate another person's painting. They can use the same colours, shapes, and brush strokes to create something identical. Great artists, however, are able to identify, practice, and understand the techniques used to then incorporate them into their own art. They can study art and learn from it to improve their own work. This is how reference paintings from others artists are meant to be used! After you copy them, you should always learn something from them.

The use of the word "steal" can be confusing. In this quote, it refers to using techniques in your own work, not claiming others' work as your own!

Using photos, however, can be more complicated. Always credit the photographer if you’re able to find them. Alternatively, you can use royalty free images. These images are free for anyone to use in their art, and you won’t have to worry about copyright issues. You can find these on websites like Pexels and Pixabay.

Aside from the technical side of art references, there’s also the question of whether they’re bad for your art. Personally, I think they're very important and useful.

I’m a big believer in references. They’ve helped me in so many ways throughout my art journey. Copying an image or a painting can help you develop new skills and techniques, as well as cause you to make things you would never make otherwise. As well, there are some things you just wouldn't be able to do without them. For example, if you want to try some new subject matter or a new style, you’ll almost definitely need a reference, even just as a starting point.

Even with all these benefits, you have to make sure not to become too reliant on reference photos. This would mean that you find it difficult to draw anything without the use of a photo. Doing your own art is important too! If you rely too heavily on references, it’ll make it harder for you to express yourself freely.

In conclusion, references are a great tool to use in art. As long as you’re respectful and use them wisely, they’ll help you develop your art skills much faster!

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this article. Remember, I release new ones every week. Before you go, don't forget to check out my shop!