Saturday, February 16, 2019

The Importance of Reference

While working from memory or one’s imagination is wonderful, it is a recreation of what our perception is, what is in our mind’s eye.

Utilizing a photo or working from life offers significant advantage in that you have consistent checkpoints which you can return to and refer against your progress.  Life drawing (from still life, live models, or simulated texture substitutes) offers you a true measure as you work.  Photos are invaluable reference tools that we can use as a guide.  They are fixed in terms of lighting and color as well as position.

Thank you Internet, talented photographers, and owners/artists for providing a wealth of visual reference!  (Photo inspirations of live horses below are from the net).

It may not always be possible to have the perfect reference photo, but often you will find what you need and can glean from a variety.  In looking at Norwegian Fjord dun colors and baby chestnut foals, these findings have me stoked!

How adorable are these minis?!!  Pretty darn good pangare examples for Pepys!

Shades of dun are fascinating, and although I am going for common brown dun on the Medallion, the beautiful silver is tempting.  Luckily, I have a new Fjord that just arrived to appease me!


On a side note, remember that your photo research can pay off as live show documentation as well!

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