Painting From Photos (In an Hour)

 My workshop topic today was painting from photos. 

I asked them to bring photos that had a strong light and shadow pattern. 

Some tricks I use to determine what photos would make good paintings:

I print them, then color everything in shadow with a black marker. 

The pattern is immediately apparent. 

I download all the photos from one location and view them as a contact sheet.

The ones with the best light and shadow pattern just pop out!

I print them in black and white, bump up the contrast, 

and/or boost the color. 

Same thing. 

You can immediately tell if it's a good composition. 

I was so excited about the work these gals did. 

In an hour!  

My demo

Peggy's took on such a wonderful abstract quality

Judy, a beginner, was not afraid to use 

a lot of paint and big brushes. 

Barbara really simplified the shapes and kept the values. 

Suzanne never thought she could do this in a hour. 

With just a few adjustments, this will be finished!

Look at those light and shadow shapes!