Where to Find and Use Copyright-Free Images for Your Realistic Animal Art

Kerri Dixon Author

Discover top sources for copyright-free images to enhance your realistic animal art, with tips on finding unique references and adding your own art

Where to Find Good Copyright Free Images

As a realistic animal artist, the importance of high-quality images cannot be overstated. This necessity extends to virtually all forms of realist art, often sparking debates about the use of line art and tracing. While I find those discussions rather tiresome, Jason Morgan recently shared an insightful post on the topic that’s definitely worth a read:  "As you all know, I don’t think it’s important how you get your initial sketch down, it’s the end piece that matters and what ideas you come up with when you create your artwork."

But for beginners, tutorials and step-by-step guides are invaluable for learning techniques. However, I strongly encourage artists, particularly my students, to transition to using their own reference images once they've mastered the basics. This step is crucial for developing a unique artistic style and vision.

Now, taking your own reference images isn't always feasible. For instance, if you live in Australia but have a passion for drawing gorillas, you won't find them in your backyard. Everyone should have the freedom to draw and paint what they love, which often necessitates the use of copyright-free reference images. Visiting a zoo can be helpful, but not everyone has that option. Therefore, I want to share some tips on sourcing and creatively using reference images to ensure your artwork remains unique. 

Here are some excellent sources for copyright-free images: 

1. Pixabay, Unsplash, Moerguefil: These websites offer a vast collection of high-quality, copyright-free images. Navigate to these websites and use the search bar to find specific images. Once you've selected a few, consider how you might combine

2. Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Australian Reference Images for Artists" or "Images for Artists." However, be cautious as it's challenging for admins to verify the originality of all posted photos. Join relevant groups and engage with the community. Always verify the source of the images to ensure they are truly copyright-free.

3. Photographers: Many photographers are open to allowing the use of their images, especially those who are less well-known. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. Join relevant groups and engage with the community. Always verify the source of the images to ensure they are truly copyright-free.

4. Friends and Family: Most of us know someone who loves photography or is planning a trip to an exotic location. Their photos can be a goldmine for reference material. Tap into your personal network. Ask

around to see if anyone has photos from recent travels or outings that you can use.

5. Your Own Photos: With the quality of phone cameras today, everyone has the potential to capture great reference photos. Practice taking photos with your phone. Experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions to build a personal library of reference images.

6. AI Tools: AI can be a fantastic resource for generating ideas and getting them onto paper. Utilize AI to brainstorm and refine your ideas. This can be particularly helpful for generating initial sketches or concepts.

Final Thoughts

Using these methods, you can ensure that your reference images are unique, which is essential if you plan to enter competitions. While it's acceptable to copy a reference image exactly, as we often do in the Creative Barn Membership, I encourage confident artists to add their own flair and creativity to their work.

If you know of any other great sources for reference photos, please share them in the comments! 

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Kerri xx