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Simplifying Reference Photos - Line Drawings (Patreon)

Published:
2024-07-08 00:17:51
Imported:
2026-10
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Content

Hi everyone,

Watercolour painting is an expressive and rewarding medium, but it can be daunting for beginners. Simplifying a reference photo for your line drawing can make the process more approachable and enjoyable. Here are five essential tips to help you get started:

Plan Your Painting

Before you start drawing, decide what details are crucial and what can be omitted. Focus on clear focal points and well-defined shapes.

Identify Key Shapes

Break down your reference photo into basic shapes. These form the foundation of your composition.

Simplify Complex Areas

Avoid overcrowding your drawing with unnecessary details. Simplify intricate areas into manageable components.

Use Lines Sparingly

I find it easier to paint when I minimise the number of lines in my drawing. Use them mainly for defining major forms and guiding the viewer’s eye.

Emphasize Important Details

Highlight the essential elements that convey the subject or mood of your painting.

Watercolour painting is a balance of structure and creativity. Your line drawing sets the framework, but your artistic interpretation brings it to life. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process!

For more detailed guidance, visit my blog https://www.louisedemasi.com/tips/2023/9/25/how-to-simplify-a-reference-photo

I’d love to hear from you! What tips or experiences can you share about simplifying reference photos for watercolours? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow beginners.

Louise

Files

Comments

Christine Zeiler

I think you covered it all. I always like to give myself time to reconsider colors. I may have had colors cemented in my mind but after I start I often change my mind. Have the freedom to do that.

Linda

So helpful, especially for my rose centres😵‍💫. Thanks, Louise👍

Ngan Ha

Thank you so much Louise for sharing this tip.

Diane Humphrey

I’ve struggled with simplifying my drawings, so thank you for these great tips

Basia

So glad you are going back to this ....I always overcook my line drawings!....., please consider making the line drawing videos a pinned post

Louise De Masi

Hi Basia, I hear you. I think a lot of people struggle with this. It's listed on the index that is pinned. Unfortunately they only let us pin one post and I think the index is more important. ❤️

Basia

Definately, the index is more important, but now I know were to find it , I shall bookmark it...whenever I start a painting....these videos, (especially the ones where you talk about using software & also about resizing etc, )....are a great help especially when you try something by yourself💪👍

Tess Walker

Hi Louise. I deal with very dry weather so first question is how to keep paint wet longer but not have blooms and secondly if I have a bloom, how to fix. Thank you.

Lana

Something that helps me when doing a line drawing; If I am short of time and don’t feel like sketching, I make a tracing directly from my reference photo. I use the heavier tracing paper and it keeps me from adding too much detail because the detail is harder to see through the heavier paper. After I trace the main contour lines and other important lines, I remove the tracing paper and observe where other indications need to be and add them in freehand. Now I have my line drawing on tracing paper (which I can use for a transfer over and over if necessary 😆) and I also have my printed reference photo which I have not ruined by using it for my transfer. Thank you for being such a great teacher and sharing your wealth of knowledge.

Lana

I think it is important to sketch or trace your own line drawing because you learn a lot about where things will be placed when it is time to paint. If you rely on someone else’s line drawing, they may have had a different vision and there may be parts of the drawing that don’t make sense to you.

Frances Luns

Hi Louise, I like to draw on the A3 format as it is easier to paint the details. However I don't know how to enlarge the reference photo or the line drawing. I googled it but still can't find a way to do it. Thanks for your help. I love your lessons, you're the best teacher!

Louise De Masi

Thank you Frances. When you select print- have A3 size paper ready and choose A3 to print on your printer. You might need to Google instructions for your printer if you don't know how to do that. I include an enlargement of the drawing spread over two A4 size files with each tutorial. You can print the enlarged drawing on two pieces of paper and tape them together.

Bobba

Thank you for the blog on this subject Louise. You give clear explanations and highlight the value of planning and patience - two areas I need to work on. I like your call for finding the essence of the subject being painted. I would like to be more expressive including knowing where to incorporate disappearing edges.

Bobba

Thank you also to all commenters for the additional tips - very helpful.

Frances Luns

Thanks Louise, I'll try again!

Kaye Saunders

To keep paint, or an area, wet longer - Louise has suggested to wet an area twice - she has a post about this somewhere. Also - in very dry/hot weather I add a few drops of Winsor Newton Ox Gall Liquid to my water jar. Two or three drops to a cup of water (250 ml) as a guide. It is an expense that is well worth it, as a little goes a long way. Also, I only use it when I really need it - and have been known to keep what is left at the end of a painting session in a sealed jar until I really need it again.

IRIDYSCENZIA

Great work! Keep it up 👊💯❤️

Jeanette rogerson

Hi Louise. Patreon welcomes me as a member but I signed up with the other company. I can’t get access with Patreon. Should I just cancel the membership. It’s one month free and 30 percent off the year. Jeanette

Aura Wheeler

Beautiful. For me it seems overwhelming to simplify background from photographs.