Is It OK to Use References When Drawing?

Using reference images is not only acceptable but highly encouraged in the art world. References can tremendously enhance accuracy, learning, and realism in your work. However, relying solely on references without practicing freehand drawing can limit your skill development. This balance is crucial to growing as an artist. For more guidance, visit my Quora profile!

Benefits of Using References

Improves Accuracy: References help capture details and proportions that might be challenging to remember or visualize without them. They serve as a useful guide to keep your work precise and true to life. Enhances Learning: Studying from references can teach you about a variety of styles, techniques, and subjects, vastly expanding your knowledge and skills. Increases Realism: Using real-life references in your work can make it more believable and lifelike, as you aim to replicate the subject with all its nuances. Saves Time: Having a visual guide can speed up the drawing process, particularly for complex subjects where referencing can lead to a faster and more accurate result. Encourages Creativity: References can inspire new ideas and encourage you to explore different compositions or styles, rather than relying on a single approach.

Respect Copyright and Ethical Use

When using references, it's important to respect copyright and use them ethically, especially if you're sharing or selling your artwork. Instead of copying the reference directly, interpret the image and add your unique style to create a piece that is both original and inspired.

Personal Journey and Realization

There is a joke that goes like this:

“A man is telling God that human beings no longer need Him… he tells God that humans can now create everything they need without God’s intervention. Then the man reaches down to pick some dirt up from off the ground and God scoops up all the dirt in front of him and tells the human to create his own dirt!”

Indeed, human beings cannot create something out of nothing. Drawing is an art form that requires practice, experience, and a foundation of knowledge. I experienced a decade-long battle with cluster seizures, which affected my ability to think and function properly. During this time, I grappled with the inability to draw, even though it was something I aspired to do.

Through perseverance, my epilepsy was brought under control, and my mental clarity improved. One of the key realizations I had, as an artist, was the necessity of having reference points. Just like a visual inspiration can spark creativity, a collection of different pictures and ideas served as the foundation for my artistic journey. My high school art teacher also emphasized the importance of creating a collection of images, which would serve as a portfolio and a source of inspiration. This collection of reference points is essential for anyone looking to develop their artistic skills.

Conclusion

Using references is a powerful tool for artists to improve their skills and enhance their artwork. However, it's equally important to practice freehand drawing to develop a unique style and stay creative. Balancing the use of references with freehand practice is key to growth in the art world.