How to Paint Using the Camera Lucida Method (My Way)

Welcome! This is how I blend digital tools, old techniques, and paint to create meaningful art—especially for others. My goal is to help you make something deeply personal, even if it’s your first time painting.

A smartphone or tablet (I use Apple products)

  1. The Camera Lucida app ($14.99 on Apple App Store)

  2. A custom phone holder: I build mine from cardboard and a hot glue gun to stabilize the device above the canvas

  3. A canvas (I usually use sizes 8x10 inches)

  4. Acrylic paints (starting with an orange-brown base, followed by opaque, bright colors)

  5. Brushes of various sizes

  6. A cup of water + brush solvent or cleaning goo

  7. Optional: Apps like GoArt and ArtFilters to digitally alter your image before painting

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose a Photo

Pick an image that’s meaningful—especially if you're painting for someone else. You can enhance the photo using GoArt or ArtFilters to explore different styles, colors, or moods.

2. Open the Camera Lucida App

  • Launch the app on your device.

  • Tap the leftmost button (looks like a book) to select your altered photo from your library.

  • Once selected, the image will appear on your screen.

3. Set Up Your Workstation

  • Secure your phone or tablet above the canvas using your cardboard setup.

  • Adjust the image on the screen using pinch to zoom and drag until it fits your canvas the way you want.

  • Be sure your device is stable and won’t move during the session.

4. Enter Lucida Mode

  • Tap the middle button (hand holding a pencil) to activate Lucida Mode.

  • You’ll now see a transparent overlay of the image over your canvas through your screen.

  • Adjust transparency as needed to balance between seeing the photo and your canvas.

5. Begin Painting

  • I start with an orange-brown base layer on the canvas.

  • From there, I recreate the image freely, knowing it won’t be a perfect copy—and that’s okay.

  • Use bold, bright colors from the tube and trust your instincts.

  • Clean brushes periodically with water or solvent goo.

Don’t worry if it doesn’t look exactly like the photo. You’re not copying—you’re interpreting.

Sticking to the general proportions will carry the structure.

What you’re making is already unique because it’s yours.

If you struggle to visualize this process then follow me on TikTok to see me try to record this process in action. Please reach out to me via email.