Images To Paint

17 Websites For Finding Awesome Copyright Free Images Online At No Charge!

Although I get my subject matter to paint from taking my own photos, I realize that not all of my students have access to take the photos of images they want to paint. To help you, I've found great websites that share copyright free images.  

Why is it important to use copyright free images?  The answer is that it’s illegal to use photographers and artist’s copyrighted images for your paintings!  People think it’s okay to take images for reference off of Pinterest and Google, but the photographers and artists who’ve posted those images own the copyright to them.  Regarding artwork, it’s perfectly fine to copy the work of an artist after they’ve been deceased more than 70 years.  It’s not okay to see a current artists painting that you like and paint it yourself without their permission.  

The websites below have images that are 100% copyright free.  Please take the time to use these websites and bookmark your favorites.  It will be time well spent! - Jill Saur

1.   Unsplash:  www.unsplash.com 

2.   Wet Canvas:   www.wetcanvas.com  (You need to register to use this site)

3.   Digital Dreamer:   www.adigitaldreamer.com/gallery

4.   Can We Image:  www.canweimage.com

5.   Good Free Photos:   www.goodfreephotos.com

6.   Google Advanced:   Google Image Search (Click on “Advanced Settings” on the bottom right hand side and choose copyright free from the drop down menu)

7.   Gratisography:    www.gratisography.com

8.   Image Base:  www.imagebase.net 

9.   Morgue File:  www.morguefile.com/archive  (You must alter the image in some way)

10.  Vintage Images:  www.nos.twnsnd.co     

 11.  Pd Pics:  www.pdpics.com

12.  Photo Rack:  www.photorack.net  

13.  Pic Jumbo:  www.picjumbo.com

14.  Pickup Image:  www.pickupimage.com

15.  Pixabay:  www.pixabay.com

16.  Skitter Photo:  www.skitterphoto.com

17.  Split Shire:   www.splitshire.com