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Using Photography in Art
Rightly or wrongly this is a somewhat controversial subject and the cause of many a heated discussion. Here are my thoughts on the matter.
My paintings are representational, based on keen observation of the landscape. I strive to portray the 3rd dimension with an essence, or spirit, of place - I am not at all concerned with the accurate depiction of fine detail.
But the representational nature of the pictures I produce (in the studio) requires, to a certain degree, the aid of the accuracy of a photograph to help in placing subject matter in its correct context. For this reason, the use of photos in my work away from the field is of high importance. Correctly used in art - or rather, used with caution, the camera can become a useful aide memoire; literally a means of helping the memory (which it is in my case, particularly for mountain work). Its use alongside sketch book and study work is, in my opinion, totally acceptable and even to be encouraged. However, the camera should never be used as a replacement for field/life work such as drawing, colour notes and studies. These practices are of essential importance to any painter/artist be they Landscape, Figure, Portrait or Sculptor, because only they form the basis of well constructed and informed work.
Although on first sight photographs may appear to hold a great amount of information, for example lots of detail, they actually contain little material which is of any use to the artist. Photographs mislead by concealing and distorting the visual information they contain - and to copy a photo will produce nothing more than a poor copy of a photo. Used as a source of reference though, photos can - as I've already indicated - be helpful. It is necessary to be aware of and to understand the many negative aspects of working with photographs before you begin, to help to avoid the pitfalls. That way, using your camera as an extra tool alongside preliminary work can work to your advantage, and your knowledge will ensure that you benefit and don't suffer from using photography in art.
| Main Negatives of using photos in Art: |
| They obliterate information in shadow or over exposed areas. |
| They distort objects. |
| Colour representation is often inaccurate. |
| They can blind you with detail. |
| Composition is often questionable. |
| Main Positives of using photos in Art: |
| They provide some factual accuracy of object / subject placement. |
| They provide accuracy of direction of lighting. |
There is no replacement for first hand observation and learning. The subsequent build up of knowledge pays dividends!