Not sure what to draw or paint?

Get access to my personal Reference Photo Library. Over 2,500 photos for you to draw or paint from.

Every artist needs subjects to paint and a constant flow of inspiration. As soon as they dry up, nothing else matters.

Introducing the Reference Photo Library

Over the last 11 or so years, I have been taking photos of any potential subject that I come across. To date, the Library has expanded to over 2,500 high-quality and curated photos. I cannot paint them all, so I'm offering you access to them.

Reference Photo Library Mockup png 700w

Hi, I’m Dan Scott

I’m the artist behind Draw Paint Academy, which I run with my wife Chontele. We have dedicated our lives to helping aspiring artists like you. The world could always use more artists!

Dan Scott

Authentic, Artist-Captured Photos (No AI)

The Reference Photo Library is AI-free (artificial intelligence). Every photo was taken by me, in real places, under real light, with drawing and painting in mind. This is important, as AI is prone to hallucinating and often produces images that appear realistic, yet contain subtle errors, such as a missing cast shadow. The photos are also unedited, providing you with an honest view of the subject.

Avoid Copyright Issues

You can use these photos for personal or commercial artistic purposes, without worrying about copyright infringement. (Just don’t resell the raw photos themselves.) You can paint them, draw them, use them for inspiration, and even sell artworks you created from them.

Dan Scott, Fraser Island, Analogous Colors, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo
Dan Scott, Fraser Island, Analogous Colors, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo

Lifetime Access for a One-Time Payment of $37 USD

Train Your Artist’s Eye

These photos will give you a look through my eyes as an artist. Each photo was taken with painting in mind. By simply browsing the Library, you'll hone your sense of composition and design and what makes for a good subject.

Dan Scott, New Zealand, Autumn Colors, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo
Dan Scott, New Zealand, Autumn Colors, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo

What to Expect Once You Join

Once you join, you'll get a welcome email and instructions on your next steps.

You'll be able to access the Library from your student dashboard on any device, as long as you have an internet connection. You'll also be able to download the reference photos to your device for use offline.

If at any point you have issues or questions, you can send us an email at admin@drawpaintacademy.com and we will be happy to help.

Reference Photo Library Collage

Join Now, Benefit For The Rest of Your Art Journey

The Reference Photo Library will continue to grow over time as I add more photos and subjects. I'm also looking to expand the range of subjects covered.

"You have often said you need to look as an artist & not with your brain….. Thank you. So I thought I would buy your references to get my brain thinking in different directions. It’s interesting as I have now looked through many of my references & there are loads of potential landscapes. Your references are fabulous & have really sparked my interest so thanks." - J Whitehead

Dan Scott, Fallen Trees and Striking Contrast, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo
Dan Scott, Fallen Trees and Striking Contrast, 2024, Side-by-Side With Reference Photo

What Students Have Painted

The following are some of the paintings created by students using the Reference Photo Library.

Gallery - What My Readers Have Painted!
What students have painted using the Reference Photo Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Guarantee - Painting Academy

My 100% Guarantee

Your satisfaction is my number one priority. If, for any reason, you do not find the Reference Photo Library helpful, just send me an email within 60 days of purchase, and I will refund you in full.

Lifetime Access for a One-Time Payment of $37 USD

If you have any questions, you can email me at admin@drawpaintacademy.com.