Painting from photographs-The Pros and Cons

People often ask me if they can work from photographs in class. I feel that it is the kind of thing that generates a lot of discussion for and against. There are pros and cons to this subject. Lets consider. If you like to work in a very representational way , photographs obviously can be of great assistance. In painting or photography compositional guidelines still apply. The rule of thirds for instance, is a rule covered in my classes, that helps the viewer understand where the artist is directing a viewer to look. More on that later, so the point is a badly composed picture can lead to badly composed paintings.
When you do your own photography you can play with composition and rearrange objects till you get what you want. Many people try to work from magazine photos, and for amateur explorations, that can be ok, but not for any professional aspirations. Copyright infringements can complicate your life at that point. You need to practice your own compositions anyway for your own sake. Digital cameras are so easy to use and so much better and cheaper to use than the old print film cameras.
Working from life is best, but isn't always practical for either your skill level, or the place or light conditions available. Setting up a still life is something I cover in class, using lights and a tabletop arrangement of your choice, flowers fruit, plates cups etc. I will do a painting from one of these photos I am showing here today, working from the photo to show you how that goes. The disadvantage can be that there can be a lack of spontaneity and a rigidity that can creep in to the work. An over attention to detail can ruin a piece. The pressure of doing something "under the gun" as it were in a brief span of time, figure or still life, can make you work more quickly and fluidly and grasp the "essence" of the subject. That is really what makes the picture interesting, not the tedious details. It takes some practice, much like working out, can be painful at first! Either way stay loose and adventurous. Be Bold, paint with passion!