Can anyone recommend a reputable and reliable source of copyright-free or public-domain images, which I can use as reference images? I always struggle to find decent reference material; and I know that I simply cannot copy from books, magazines and images from the net, because of copyright issues; so what do I do?

Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.

I have joined WetCanvas.com - they have a reference image library which is stocked with hundreds of copyright free images submitted by other artists.

Thanks; I know about Wet Canvas.

Hi Leigh39! Have a look at the website; www.paintmyphoto.com where you'll find thousands of free images for inspiration.

Very best wishes,

Steve Williams

PA & RSC Wigan area

Thanks, I have also looked at them.

I have used http://www.pdphoto.org/ before.

Regards,

Rui

We have a section on the website for this: http://www.saa.co.uk/gallery/photographs.php

Hello Leigh and anyone else looking for reference photographs.

I created a page on Facebook in March last year for this exact purpose. I know how artists of all levels can be stuck for images to use without the worry of copyrights.

The page is called Artist reference Photos and has well over 80 albums and over 7000 photos for everyones use.

There is a very simple page user agreement to agree to before the use of any photography there. We have almost 1000 members and many great contributors.

Heres the link but you must be a member of and signed into facebook to see it https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artist-r ... 0920396276

Best regards,

Paul Beattie
P.A Wrexham.

Thanks.

Hi Leigh,

Free reference images are great but I personally think your own images are even better (as long as you have no problem getting out to take them). If mobility is not an issue, a cheap digital camera stuck in your pocket or bag when you go out is a wonderful tool. Take it everywhere with you and just take lots of pictures, download them to your computer regularly. With in a few months you will have stacks of photos (which are much more about you and your memories and where you have been).

Happy painting, drawing.

Jane