Tip: Keep your reference images close!
You see where I’m going with it?

Reference photos are so important to my art. My imagination and memory only go so far.

Since I want this image to be noticeably Princess Jasmine, and noticeably Amelia Earhart, without having to explain, these little images are my buddies.
I look at them almost as often as I look at the piece I’m painting towards the end.

In the beginning of my work on the piece, I may not look as much. But once I get to this point where tiny tweaks can change a shadow or facial expression, I look and look and look.

I print the image on my printer, or at Walgreens/Target for less than $1 ea.
I use painter’s tape to secure reference images to my work. It keeps me from:
– Damaging my work with paper clips or other types of tape
– Having to have my phone/computer nearby (and charged) to see my image
– Deviating from the details with what I “know”
– Losing stuff!!

I work on several pieces at a time because my brain can’t sit still.
They all sit in a “works in progress” area, with the reference images, sketches I’ve made, and any other important details etc taped to the backs of them!

I recommend the yellow Frog Tape, because it is intended for recently painted walls, and is by far the gentlest tape I have tried. I even use it on watercolor paper.