Ealain Creative

Making Reference Photos Work For You (Not Against You) We’ve all been there—scrolling through reference images, full of inspiration, only to end up with a painting that feels more like a copy machine than a creative spark. You followed the photo. Matched the shadows. Nailed the highlights. And yet… something’s missing. It looks like the photo, sure, but it doesn’t feel alive. Here’s the thing: painting from reference isn’t about perfect replication—it’s about interpretation. When you treat a reference like a starting point instead of a destination, everything changes. It becomes a launchpad for your voice, your choices, and your magic. Start with Something Worth Painting Not every photo is worthy of becoming a painting. It might be a beautiful snapshot, but if it lacks strong lighting or a clear focal point, your brush might struggle to bring it to life. Look for images where the light tells a story—where shadows have shape and direction, and something about the composition pull...

Painting Depth in Acrylic Landscapes: Make Your Scenes Feel Alive Depth of field isn’t just for photographers—it’s one of the most powerful storytelling tools in landscape painting, too. When done right, it can take a flat, quiet canvas and turn it into something that breathes . You know the feeling: standing at the edge of a field, watching the hills roll away into misty blue, the sky stretching forever overhead. That’s the magic we’re aiming for with paint. In this post, we’ll explore how to use value, perspective, color, and brushwork to create that illusion of space and atmosphere—where your foreground feels close enough to touch and your mountains drift softly into the distance. Let’s bring your landscapes to life. What Is Depth of Field in Painting? In painting, depth of field refers to how we lead the viewer’s eye through space—even though we're working on a completely flat surface. It’s the illusion of distance, of something being “back there” versus “right here.” And ...

Acrylic paint is already one of the most versatile mediums out there—but when you add acrylic mediums to the mix, the possibilities expand even further. Whether you're aiming for thick, textured brushwork or silky glazes, acrylic mediums give you full control over the consistency, finish, and behavior of your paint. In this post, we’ll explore the most common types of acrylic mediums, what they do, and how to use them to elevate your painting. What Is an Acrylic Medium? An acrylic medium is an additive mixed with acrylic paint to modify its properties without compromising the pigment. Mediums can: Change texture (thicker or thinner) Adjust sheen (matte, satin, or gloss) Extend drying time Improve flow for fine detail Allow for techniques like glazing, impasto, and collage Acrylic mediums are typically clear or white but dry transparent (unless otherwise noted), and they mix easily with any brand of acrylic paint. Why Use Mediums? Usin...