Reference analysis for oil painters
Five tools to decode your reference photo before you pick up a brush.
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The tools
Group your reference into 2 to 8 value steps. See the big shapes immediately, in grayscale, umber, or full color. This is what most painters skip and then struggle with.
Reduce everything to a 2- or 3-value pattern. If your notan doesn't read, your painting won't either. Check it here before committing hours on canvas.
Tap any spot to find the closest match from your actual palette. Switch to compare mode to measure the value difference between any two points in your reference.
See the warm and cool zones mapped across your reference. Get concrete advice on canvas toning and color strategy based on what the image actually tells you.
Plan your composition with common canvas ratios and a rule-of-thirds overlay. Find the strongest crop before you start drawing.
Your photos stay on your device. BrushLens runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or sent anywhere.
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All five tools, unlimited use. Your photos never leave your device. Already painting with The Studio Pass tier? BrushLens is included.
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Decode your reference before you pick up a brush.