Being Photo Dependent

I have always been kind of torn with portrait drawing, because to me it always depends on the photo and what you are drawing and not always how good you can draw.  Meaning one has a little less control over it because even if it turns out good, really all one can say is that it was a great reference to go off of.  And really it was and ones love or appreciation for the image you see is why it turned out so good to begin with, or at least that is what happens with me.



This one Briscott used a lovely reference here from DA, but in my opinion he greatly improved on the reference and made her face better and the overall image better, and that is the goal I think we all have.


In this Artman2112 did a great original work without reference but took many different levels of creating the composition to complete it all and get it to this point.


Then with this piece by zeldis, she used a reference but took that image and made it 10 times better and added color, making it really a great classic portrait.


This great quote kind of brings it all together with this idea and using photos.

by Jim Jarmusch

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to.”



Originally like most, I just wanted to draw what I thought was pretty or who I thought was pretty or had a certain standout look to them, but then it comes to the point of what is the motivation.  To draw a great portrait and focus on that or to find the great reference to make a portrait out of?  


Deviantart has thousands of quality, amazing and standout images to pick from.  I have tried drawing or using some of the best I could find that are out there.  Then what really is original?  The fact no one knows about the image you found randomly then makes it original?  


I have tried taking my own photos and that is crazy hard to do, so I guess for the moment I will keep using others references.  I have found few that can take actually photos good and also draw, some can but maybe that is how it is supposed to be.  

Because to make a well made portrait drawn by hand without tracing or even a portrait painting is way better than just a photo to me based on how easy it is so get a print and digital image now a days.



So what are your thoughts on the matter?