All images on this page are
copyrighted by Dan R. Elliott. They may not be used or
distributed for any commercial purpose without my permission.
That said, you may copy them for your own private use.
I'm not one of those folks who believes that drawing from
photographs is detrimental. Photography can take us to so
many places that we'll never see personally that I think it
would be a tragedy to ignore it as an inspiration. I never
copy a photo exactly, but I am often inspired by them.
They are especially good for learning contour drawing because
they don't move.
Marc Chagall 2003
These contour drawings are from a photo of the late
artist Marc Chagall. I love his distinctive features and
smile.
Ballet Dancers 2005
Dancers are difficult to draw when performing because
they move so quickly. A photograph stops the action and
lets me see the shapes and details.
Ozark Folks 2003
These sketches were drawn from photos taken by Ben
Shahn for the WPA during the depression.
Baseball 2001
These were inspired by a book of baseball photos.
The man in the upper right was a fan in the stands.
American South 2002
I don't remember where I saw the photos that were
used for reference for these drawings of blacks in the South.
