Fine Art Paintings Reproduction - Copying Other Artist's Work - Is That OK?

Fine art paintings reproduction, copying the masters to learn how to paint, is that how you do it, is that OK? Sure, lots of people do it, but there are a few things to think about.

Painting landscapes still life portrait commissions by using someone else's work, to sell, Is that OK?
Nope.

I guess it is a personal choice in many ways. I have tried copying verbatim, and actually learned many things by doing so. It is amazing the colors you begin to see, that you had noticed before, while you study something hard enough to copy it, on any level.

I knew a woman once who only did that, only copied every single stroke of whatever master she was enamored with. She never painted landscapes, still life and portrait commissions, she just painted for her own pleasure. I never got it though, she never showed her work, and only decorated her own house as well as friends and relatives, she confessed. I guess she took it as far as she wanted to. I always thought she indeed possessed a real talent though so it was a shame that she never had the confidence to step out in that.

I think it is one thing to draw from someone's work, and another to out and out copy it, and never pursue doing anything more; never learning from it; never creating your own expression that you drew from someone else's style.

Who are you?
It seems valid to seek out dimensions of the quest of other artists, you just need to make sure that along the way, who you are, and who you hope to be as an artist, is not compromised.

Another very obvious consideration is the copyright laws! If you are copying someone like Lucian Freud, hey, no way! Freud is still alive, so major problems there huh? You can still do it of course, but not sell it, not show it and maybe keep it under a rug. LOL.

Whatever you do, know who you are as an artist, or at least push toward that effort. Take time out to play with your art. Read all you can about who other artists were and are. It is in their words and thoughts that you will find great gifts. Matisse said to feel the colors.. ahh such a gift is that.
Feel the colors and who you are within your own creative journey.

Keep a journal, document your own efforts and what motivates you as an artist and individual. You are every bit as important as a master artist. By keeping a journal you will notice your own growth.
If you choose to do fine art paintings reproductions, OK, but reach farther too. Embrace your next creation, be it a landscape, still life or a portrait. Realize who you might be, past what you copy, and unfold that hidden talent.

ABOUT Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map fairy tale adventures. I dream of beautiful women on canvas and art of exotic women.

I have illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS, taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.
Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards and posters are available for sale on my website:
http://www.kathysart.com

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Aloha, Kathy

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