Paintsight: Notan, Value Study
Art Reference, Grid & Palette
About
This app helps artists analyze and draw from reference photos. It offers tools for value studies, color analysis, composition guides, and proportional drawing grids. Users can also compare their work directly against references.
What's New in Paintsight
2.1
October 23, 2026
• Perspective: Paintsight finds the vanishing points and draws your eye level with guide lines. Drag the points to adjust, in one-point or two-point perspective • Planes, much expanded: fill them in color, gray, value bands or notan, draw them as lines on paper or over the photo, and choose triangles or rounder facets • Planes can grow with distance, get finer on the main subject, and join similar neighbors into big, simple shapes • Favorites and collections: keep your best references together, and group them into collections such as Ready to Paint • Can't decide what to paint? Tap the dice to open a random reference • The eye button now shows the original photo with a tap, or while you hold it
MoreSubscriptions & In-App Purchases
$4.99
Lifetime
Lifetime access
Developer apps
FAQ
What is Paintsight used for?
Paintsight is an art reference analysis tool designed to help painters and drawers understand and work from reference photos. It provides features like notan and value studies, color analysis, and drawing grids to aid in the planning and execution of artwork.
Does Paintsight have ads?
No, Paintsight is ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted creative process. This means you can focus on your art without any distracting advertisements.
What devices does Paintsight support?
Paintsight is built for iPad and iPhone, offering an optimized experience for both devices. It leverages iPad features like Split View and Stage Manager for enhanced workflow.
How does Paintsight help with drawing proportions?
Paintsight includes a drawing grid with numbered and lettered squares that can be sized to your canvas dimensions. It also offers guides like the rule of thirds and golden section to assist with accurate proportion and composition.
Can I compare my painting to the reference in Paintsight?
Yes, you can photograph your painting, straighten it, and compare it directly with the reference within Paintsight. This comparison can be done overlaid, by flicking between images, or side-by-side, and can be done in various views like values or color blocks.
How are reference photos organized in Paintsight?
Reference photos can be imported from your camera or photo library, individually or in bulk. You can tag them with categories like 'hands' or 'skies' for easy filtering and add notes for future reference.
What is a 'notan' study in Paintsight?
A notan study in Paintsight simplifies a photo into 2 to 7 values, highlighting lights and darks. This helps artists understand the core design and composition of an image by focusing on the interplay of shapes.
Is Paintsight suitable for beginners?
While Paintsight offers advanced tools for experienced artists, its clear value and design analysis features can also be beneficial for beginners learning to interpret reference images and understand fundamental art principles.
