How to share

Before you upload

A few small things make every post look its best:

• Photograph in even, natural light — near a window on an overcast day is ideal. Avoid harsh shadows and glare.
• Shoot straight on so the artwork isn't tilted or stretched, and crop to just the piece (no table, no fingers).
• Use JPG or PNG, and a reasonably sized file — large enough to see detail, but it doesn't need to be enormous.
• Only post images you have the right to share — your own art, and reference photos you took or are free to use.
• Be kind in the comments. This is a place to encourage and discuss, not to tear down.

Gallery — a single piece

For finished work (or a standalone piece) you want to show and talk about.

1. Tap Share your work and choose A single piece.
2. Upload one image of your artwork.
3. Add a title.
4. Choose the medium (oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, ink).
5. Write a note — where you painted it, what you were going for, or a question you'd like feedback on.
6. Tap Post to Gallery.

Tip: if you want real discussion, ask for something specific — "Do the shadows read as too cool?" gets better replies than "thoughts?"

Studies — reference + rendition

For showing your source photo beside the painting you made from it, so people can see your choices.

1. Tap Share your work and choose Reference + rendition.
2. Upload two images: your reference (the source photo) and your rendition (the painting).
3. Add a title and choose the medium.
4. In the note, say what you changed — what you kept, simplified, warmed up, left out.
5. Tap Post to Studies.

On the finished post, anyone can drag the slider to wipe between the reference and your painting.

Tip: frame both images the same way (same crop, same angle) so the comparison lines up cleanly. And only use reference photos you took or have permission to use.

Workshop — unfinished pieces

A space for works-in-progress that the community helps carry forward. There are two ways to take part.

Post something unfinished

1. Tap Share your work and choose An unfinished piece.
2. Upload your sketch or rough start.
3. Add a title and write an invitation — where you got stuck, and how far others should feel free to take it.
4. Tap Post to the Workshop.

Finish someone else's

1. Open an unfinished piece you like.
2. Save the image to use as your starting point, and finish it your own way in whatever tools you paint with.
3. Tap Add your version, upload your completed take, and add a short note about the direction you went.

One sketch can collect many different completions — that's the whole point. Seeing five people take the same start somewhere completely different is the best part of this section.

Tip: honor the starter's invitation, and give them a nod in your note. Generosity is the spirit of the Workshop.