One of the best things about being a photographer is having a massive archive of reference imagery to use for my drawings. Especially photos of landscapes and nature things of course. Incorporating a ton of realism into my work requires me to find the right reference images. So it’s really nice to choose from original photos that I’ve taken myself.
I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos I’ve taken that I later turned into drawings. I don’t believe I’ve ever publicly shared any reference imagery used for drawings so this is a first for me and I hope you enjoy!
EL CAPITAN - Yosemite National Park
This small 8x8 inch drawing took over 10 hours to complete. Creating the fine details in the tree line was easily the most challenging part. I increased the shadows in the photograph at one point to expose all of those small details in the trees.
THE FIG TREE
The leaves on fig trees have always been so pleasing to look at. So a couple years ago I decided to draw some using an old photo I took.
JOSHUA TREE ROCK FORMATION
This is a tiny 5x7 inch drawing I made a few months back and it’s one of my personal favorites. I loved making this piece and this specific rock formation is so special to me. I was drawn to it the moment I laid my eyes on it.
“Sir Joshua” - Joshua Tree National Park
This specific tree in Joshua Tree, CA may be one of the most perfect Joshua Trees around so it was a no brainer to draw it. As you may notice some parts of the tree aren’t included in the drawing. Sometimes I add elements in or take certain parts out. It really depends on what feels right.
Leave a comment and let me know which one is your favorite! I’d also love to know how many other artists are using their own images as inspiration or reference material.
As always, thank you so much for reading and for supporting my work.
Much love,
Parker
But where can we purchase your work please?
Your drawings are so realistic!