On occasion I do use reference photos that we’ve taken on our adventures. We being my husband, myself and our dog. Living in the NW there are days where I just don’t feel like going outdoors to paint due to rain, snow, and wind. Photographs are not as ideal to paint with as actually being on location, but with a bit of artistic license and imagination, you can create a beautiful painting. In the rain and stormy weather, however, acrylics are fun to play with because they stay wet and there is no water required, just let the rain fall on the painting and the palette. I’ve just been trying to master oil painting lately.