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Copying other artists‘ paintings: is it inspiration or forgery?
Looking back with background, it was common for artists to ask a question: Is it illegal to copy other artist’s painting? Let‘s discuss the response to this common dilemma from new artists below.
Think about it. There is nothing wrong with copying as long as you give credit to the original artist and do not claim the work as your own. Many artists start their journey by imitating other artists. With time and experience, they develop their own style and voice.
How else would a person get a copy of a painting he liked other than asking the artist himself to repaint a duplicate? Many of the masters also permitted others to copy their work.
One of the most genuine and acceptable reasons someone would want to duplicate a painting would be for the sake of education. Just as in music, a music student plays the works of the masters repeatedly.
When copying other artist’s painting not illegal?
They study the compositions and then try to create their own based on what they have learned. One should first copy the master artist before they can really branch off and develop their own painting style.
It is through replicating the work of another artist that a new artist can start. Having said this, copying is not the same as being inspired by an artist‘s work. Being inspired by an artist‘s work can lead one to copy some of their techniques, which can be a useful strategy for a new artist.
There have been cases throughout history in which someone has attempted to create a painting under a master‘s name. This is clearly undesirable, but the trend of creating works of art imitating another expert painter is only natural.
Would it have made any sense if Picasso had burst onto the art scene and blown it away with his new style of art, only to have no one else try to create it on their own? Will you term this illegal for copying other artist’s painting?
When copying other artist’s painting is plagiarism?
It all comes down to this: Copying somebody‘s work and pretending it‘s your own is plagiarism. Copying the work in order to learn the techniques or mimicking the techniques and also creating the same style of art for self–exploration, creation, and also education are imitation and flattery in their best form.
Of course, there are always those who don‘t copy other artist’s painting, but who create new ways of doing things.
The true art wizards are the ones we imitate whose original work.
When we look back through history, we can see that it was usual for artists to replicate not just the work of others, but their own work.
Conclusion on when copying other artist’s painting
Several of the artists even permitted others to replicate their work. It is by duplicating the work of others that technique; you learn the technique.
However, duplicating someone‘s work and claiming it as your own, or not recognizing the genuine creator of the art, it may be considered as a forgery.
Useful books to learn and replicate painting
Artist's Painting Techniques: Explore Watercolors, Acrylics, and Oils; Discover Your Own Style; Grow as an Art
The Art of Rock Painting: Techniques, Projects, and Ideas for Everyone
