Referring Back

Recently while doing an inclass painting assignment with my second year students the question came up about using reference. Specifically reference photos. How true to the photo should you stay? Can you use other people's work as reference? etc etc. Well, as far as other people's work, as long as you are abiding by copyright laws and not copying or reproducing other artist's materials then it is fine to look to those who have gone before for guidance.

As for how true to stay to the photo really depends on what it is you are trying to achieve in recreating the image. If you are attempting a photorealistic image then I guess it is best to stay true to your reference. But personally, I see little value in trying to exactly recreate what you have already done on film or digitally. It should be your goal to add your feeling, emotions, point of view etc to the work. There is nothing better than a piece of handmade artwork, where you can see the artist at work through each brushstroke or the placement of each piece of whatever media it is you choose. As A.Y Jackson said (and I paraphrase) "The recreation of nature is never the artist's intention and is of minor virtue".

Besides all this, one must be careful not to let the reference dictate the piece you are trying to create. One must work beyond the limitations of the reference material. See what the camera eye misses, see past the photgraphers lens.
Never be afraid to alter or interpret the reference material no matter what it is. And remember that the camera tends to distort the image even to a slight degree and you have to use the knowledge you have gained through true observation to discern between what is assumed and what is believed.