The Need for Reference

I've added just a teeny tiny portion of a few of my references to give you a taste of what I go out and photograph to use in my paintings. The egret, the bird, and the little girl in the green hat are all from a shoot I did last week with an artist friend. I take 1,000's of photos. As an example I filled 2 of my camera cards (don't know what they are called) and a portion of 2 more last Thurs. in just a local visit to a park/zoo here! Ofcourse they are not all wonderful, but they are useful in learning anatomy, having a place to "put that elk" in the future, or a "bird on that old machinery". I take advantage of every opportunity I can for getting reference. I do not plein aire paint generally. I am a studio painter who does highly detailed work and I need the help of the photos to get that detail. It doesn't mean I don't change things- I add things into the reference, I change the lighting, colors, etc. I love dramatic lighting, but don't always have the opportunity to be somewhere exactly at sunset/sunrise, so as a painter I can make that happen. I love all sorts of subjects and am at present trying to expand my reference of children. I have barely scratched the surface for them!

Ducklings, Ducklings, Turtles and More!

WOW- What a gorgeous day I had Wed.! The weather was spectacular, the sights at Como even better! I went intending to try and find the ducklings- hardly was out of the car when I saw the cutest little boy with a HUGE hat playing in the dirt. Couldn't get to the camera quick enough so missed that shot but got a wonderful one of his "dandelion for mom". Would have loved to just follow him around the lake! But I was there for a purpose- ducklings, so... Ducklings I got! I can't believe the lovely shots I got- what fun they will be to paint. I even splurged and got some enlarged just to put up in my studio to enjoy when next winter hits! As always-turtles galore as well. They are so fun to watch, but so wary. You can't get too close- they're gone, ker-splash!
I had hoped to go out again yesterday in another direction but my back and leg just wouldn't let me. Perhaps next week. If so, I'll be glad I waited! This is the most beautiful time of year and so short.