Simplifying a Reference Photo with Doug Swinton

In this episode of Art School Live, Doug Swinton breaks down how to avoid painting from a photo and ended up copying every tiny detail, only to end up with a stiff, lifeless painting Today, you'll learn how to simplify a reference photo into a more expressive, painterly work of art. Instead of getting caught up in tiny details, you'll discover how to identify what matters most, use confident brushstrokes, and create a painting that captures the essence of your subject. 🎨 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞— Aug 20–21, online Watch Master Artists like Kathleen Dunphy, John Burton, and Larry Moore paint live — register at http://www.gouachelive.com 🍂 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤— Oct 11–18, Acadia Park, Maine Paint outdoors in one of the most stunning fall landscapes in America with Eric Rhoads — reserve your spot at http://www.fallcolorweek.com 🌏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚— Nov 6–22 Paint the breathtaking landscapes of China plein air alongside Master Artist Kevin Macpherson — reserve your spot at https://www.pleinairtrip.com/china Download our FREE gift 𝟗𝟕 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 here: https://97tips.com/asl WE BELIEVE ANYONE CAN LEARN TO PAINT — and our goal is to show you how. Watching 5 lessons in a row will give you the confidence to start painting. If you're a beginner, Eric has a series of three free lessons to teach you the very basics of painting, for free. Visit: https://PaintByNote.com/asl Art School Live is hosted by art magazine publisher Eric Rhoads, founder of Fine Art Connoisseur and Plein Air Magazines. We produce art newsletters, magazines, events, retreats, artist tools and training. To see everything we offer visit https://streamlinepublishing.com/ Please Like, Share, and Subscribe to Art School Live here: https://bit.ly/ArtSchoolLive