Many artists use photos as references for their artworks.  To paint from life, without photos, has benefits for the artist, since the human eye sees differently than does a camera - in its perception of edges, colors, and values (light and dark).  For an artist, painting from life is similar to a pianist practicing piano scales.  Life studies are often painted on a small canvas, like an 8x10 or 6x8, small enough for the artist to finish in one or two days.

Since it is too difficult for children to "sit" (to hold still to pose for a portrait painting), I usually take some photos for my portrait work.

Flowers, however, like to "sit" still (though petals often unfurl and curl gradually).  For my life studies, I bring flowers into my studio.  Other times I go to the country to paint small scenes.  For myself and for other artists, such practice brings fresh sensitivity and insights, which enhances art later created from photos. 

Sometimes such life studies are named Plein Aire or Plein Air (American version), which means "out in the open air."

Each miniature life study is authentic and one-of-a-kind.  Each has a charm of its own, reflecting as it does the artists response to the beauty of nature.  In my floral logo on my About Me, I painted each of the nature items from life, each on a different day, making a spring wreathe in watercolor.  The white iris below is a life study, too.  Named "Fragrant Grace," it is a 10x6" oil painting, painted and sold during 2007.

Please see my eBay About Me page, for userid: nancyleemoran

Text here has been copyrighted by Nancy Lee Moran.