Find something to draw
Browse museum artworks by subject, from portraits and plants to landscapes. Filter the collection and pick a reference that catches your eye.
Find a referenceReferences & practice for artists
Find drawing references
and art practice ideas.
Find drawing references in museum collections and art practice ideas for your next drawing or painting. Browse by subject, generate an art challenge, or choose an artwork for a master study.
No account needed. Bring your own drawing or painting materials.
Choose your starting point
What would help you start today?
Let us choose the starting point
Surprise me pairs an art challenge with matching references. Keep what you like and reroll when you want another direction.
Surprise meGive your practice a focus
Choose Values (how light or dark things are) or Composition (where shapes and empty space sit in your picture). Get a practice plan and matching references. For timed drawing, use the timer on a reference page.
Practice a skillExplore the collection
Browse drawing references by subject
These are artworks to study and draw from. Choose a subject to see its references, or try a master study: learn by drawing or painting from an existing artwork.
- Portrait referencesStudy expression, planes, and proportion.
- Figure drawing referencesStudy pose, proportion, and structure.
- Animal drawing referencesObserve structure, gesture, and character.
- Landscape referencesPractice depth, atmosphere, and composition.
- Architecture referencesBuild confidence with perspective and form.
- Still life referencesSlow down with familiar objects and light.
- Plant drawing referencesObserve botanical structure and detail.
- Master study referencesDraw or paint from an existing artwork.
Know what you’re working from
Museum references, with their sources attached.
Explore reviewed artworks from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Each reference includes its artist and institution, available rights information, and a link to the original museum record.
Learn about sources & rightsPlan a first session
A first session can be small. Choose one reference and one thing to compare, such as the outline of an object or the position of a large dark area. Begin with light marks, look back at the artwork, and adjust one part before adding detail. For guided instructions, choose a Values or Composition practice plan.
For timed practice, open a subject page or random drawing references and choose Practise with this reference. Keep the selected image beside the timer, pause when you need a break, and leave automatic advancement off if you want to stay with one artwork.