While I primarily paint and draw from life or from my own reference photos, I started to struggle when I wanted to paint things I don’t see every day.  Where am I going to get photographs of different breeds of pet rabbits for an art series?  How can I regularly paint the ocean if I only have a few reference photos from vacations?  As I have scoured the internet for options, I learned that it’s difficult to find photos online that are freely available for use as a reference photos without any restrictions on retail sales or licensing.  Even ones that are available for purchase have limitations on usage.  That is where the idea for this site was born. 

As I have asked my blog and social media audience to share photos of landscapes, clouds, animals, and other things, they have generously and even eagerly shared photos languishing on their smartphones with me.  They were excited about sharing those photos to be used and enjoyed.  I know there are more people who would love to contribute their photos as a way to support artists.  And, I’m starting this site by sharing my own reference photos with you and we’ll add more regularly. 

Yes.  There is no fine print or gimmicks.  These photos are submitted to this site freely and with the understanding that artists will use these photos as references for original paintings, drawings, studies, and other works of art that may be sold, reproduced, and licensed. 

The only restriction we have is the commercial use, reproduction, or sale of the unaltered photograph, which is against the intention of this site.  This is a reference-sharing site, not a photo-sharing site.  If you want great photos for use on your website, online shop, social media, in your work presentations, on your fliers, etc., we suggest you use stock images intended for that purpose.

I initially hesitated on the idea to create this website for the simple reason that artists might not want to paint from photographs available to other artists.  Then, I remembered my studies of the Impressionist painters, who often painted the same model, scene, or still life arrangement for the sake of practicality, efficiency, community, and to save money.  You see it again and again as you study the Impressionists and the works are not less desirable or devalued simply because they were painted by two or more artists.