Is it wrong to copy from another artist or should I use photos instead to improve my skills?

Answer 1

It depends. If your copying their work to improve your skills and learn their style then I'd say no it's not wrong as long as your not going to claim credit for the concept or try and sell it as your own. However if you are "sampling" the work of another and then changing thisngs to sell it as your own that subject get's kind of touchy with a lot of artists. If your work is different enough I'd probably lean twords it being ok but if it's too similar I think I'd be leaning closer to saying it's stealing.

Answer 2

Usually it's not wrong to copy from other artists unless you make money out of it. that's when it should get illegal. But if you're only practicing how to draw better, you can do that, and later on develop your own style and become your own. That's how it usually is done when you're just starting out to draw.

But some people do use photos too so they can actually copy or recreate natural things more accurately than just another drawing or another person's art. Those who do use photographs usually come up with more realistic stuff, of course, which they either like or they just want to learn it for their own artstyle to develop later on.

actually you can use both if you really want to improve on your art. just be careful to make your own artwork without looking too much like somebody else's when you're joining competitions or selling your art because that could cause you trouble.

Make your own art but don't copy. you gettin' me?

Answer 3

No, it is not wrong to use another artist's work to improve your work, it's just THAT YOU CANNOT SELL IT or use it FOR PROFIT. A great teaching tool is to try to copy someones work. You will find it's very difficult and a great way to master new techniques. Photos are great too. They are really great if you make an enlarged copy in black and white and that will help you with your tonal values. Just remember, this is practice and not for sale.

Answer 4

It is ok to "recreate" another artist's work for your skills if you give that artist credit for the idea. If I did a copy of the Mona Lisa, it would be like my rendition of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Photographs are better, even check out magazines and online pics for what you want to paint.

Answer 5

I would suggest that copying art is not wrong, as long as you give credit to the original artist. Many famous painters have had students who have done copies. I have seen references to works of art that say "from the school of.." as well as hearing experts on the "Antiques Roadshow" speak of students of such and such an artist. Again, it is important to give credit to the artist. As for copying from photos, a friend of mine is a photographer, and nothing riles him so much as finding one of his pictures being used without his permission. A photographer is as much an artist as any other creative person.

remember, mimiciry is the best form of flattery. (or whatever that proverb is)

have fun

Answer 6

It is wrong. Besides, when you practice your own skills, you may turn out to be a better artist than the one you are copying.

Answer 7

It is not wrong and is great practice.

However, if you sell it or in any way make money from it - then it is wrong (this includes photos that are not yours - unless you have written permission). You must give credit to the artist (on the back) and do not sign your name on the front as if it is your original.

Answer 8

I bought a book on Art History when I was age 15 and copied many of the paintings and drawings to learn from them. Nothing at all is wrong with that. In China, it is fine to copy masters' paintings, but some Occidentals disagree. As long as you don't try to pass off your work as that of a master whose paintings are quite valuable, it is fine to copy as a learning process.

Answer 9

For practice, there's no harm in copying. U get a varied idea of paintings & its forms. But the best would be to create a new syle of ur own & improve by copying photos.
Rem: Creating a style of ur own is not easy.

Answer 10

There is nothing wrong in Copying good art work. In fact it's the best way to learn for beginners.But for god's sake don't publish or sell with your name. It's a crime. Go ahead get inspired by the Masters' works and acquire mastery.