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How to Simplify a Photo for Painting: Insights from Kerrie Woodhouse

When it comes to painting, especially in watercolour, you may find that the photograph you wish to depict can often appear overwhelming. It’s packed with details, varying textures, and perhaps a riot of colours that can be daunting, particularly for beginners. Renowned artist and instructor Kerrie Woodhouse offers invaluable tips and techniques on how to simplify a photo for painting, ensuring that the process becomes more manageable and enjoyable.

Understanding the Essence

The first step in simplifying a photo is to capture its essence. What drew you to the image in the first place? Was it the interplay of light and shadow, or perhaps the vibrant colours? Taking a moment to reflect on this can help you determine what aspects are truly essential to the painting.

Step 1: Choose Your Subject Focus

Decide what your main subject will be. If your photo includes multiple elements, think about whether to include everything or if some parts can be omitted. For instance, instead of painting an entire landscape, focus on a particular tree or the dramatic sky. This will create a clear focal point, guiding the viewer’s eye effectively.

Step 2: Simplify Shapes and Forms

Kerrie advises breaking down the complex image into simple shapes. Look for the basic forms — circles, squares, triangles — that make up your subject. For example, instead of attempting to replicate every leaf on a tree, consider painting it as a series of overlapping organic shapes that suggest foliage. This not only reduces the stress of detail but also lends a more expressive quality to your work.

Step 3: Limit Your Colour Palette

One of the most daunting aspects of watercolour painting can be the myriad of colours present in a photograph. To simplify this, Kerrie recommends selecting a limited colour palette. Choose three to five colours that capture the mood of the photo. This not only streamlines your painting process but also helps create harmony within your work. Mixing these colours can yield a range of tones and shades, providing depth without overwhelming your canvas.

Step 4: Reduce Colour Variations

When observing a photo, it’s common to see subtle variations in colour that may drive you to replicate them all. Instead, try to group similar colours together. For instance, various shades of green in a landscape can be simplified to a few main greens. This method maintains the integrity of the scene while making the painting process less complex.

Step 5: Focus on Light and Shadow

Light plays a crucial role in how we perceive objects and scenes. Kerrie emphasises the importance of highlighting the contrast between light and shadow. When simplifying your photo, identify the light source and consider how it impacts your subject. Prioritising these areas can enhance the painting, adding drama and dimension without the need for intricate detailing.

Step 6: Sketching Your Composition

Before diving into watercolour, Kerrie suggests doing a quick sketch of your simplified image. This will allow you to plan your composition and examine the relationships between shapes and colours. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s merely a roadmap to help guide you as you paint.

Step 7: Stay Loose and Expressive

Lastly, remember that watercolour is a wonderful medium for expression. As you paint, let go of the urge to replicate the photo perfectly. Embrace the fluidity of watercolour, allowing colours to blend and bleed into one another. This will result in a piece that not only reflects the essence of your photograph but also your unique artistic voice.

Conclusion

Simplifying a photo for painting is a valuable skill, particularly for beginner artists. Kerrie Woodhouse’s approach encourages artists to focus on the essence of their subjects, understand the interplay of light and shadow, and adopt a stripped-down colour palette. By breaking down complex images and embracing the expressive qualities of watercolour, you can foster creativity and confidence in your artistic journey. So gather your materials, simplify your source, and allow your artistic instincts to flourish!

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