Is tracing your own photograph to paint it considered cheating?

Question

I enjoy creating paintings from my own photgraphs that I take. I have discovered if I print the photo out on regular paper I can trace it with a heat transfer pen and then iron it on to a canvas. I then paint in the lines like it is a coloring book. Is this considered cheating since I traced it? Or is it okay since I am using all my own artwork and images?

I do mean "cheating" as in I didn't really draw it, but I am acting like I did. Should I have to tell people I traced it or can I act like I drew it?

Answer 1

No, it is not considered cheating. If that method works best for you then go for it. All people need to know is that you are a painter, they don't need to know how you transfer the image on your canvas before painting it. Don't let this become your only way of doing things though, always practice and improve your drawing skills. My art can be checked out hellosanantonio.com under artist name ''Guerro''.

Answer 2

This is a really good question. It really depends on what you're doing the project for. If you're doing it for a teacher or class then it *might* be considered cheating since you're not doing everything from scratch. Even if you are doing it for a class it would really depend on the project and class involved .. for instance if you're in a drawing class then obviously this is a HUGE "no-no" since the whole point of drawing class is to learn how to overcome such issues. But if you're in a design class then something like this is preferred since you're cutting out unnecessary steps in the process of creating the design. If you're just doing this for yourself or for the sake of "art", then it really boils down to a matter of opinion. I say if you are copying your OWN work then it's not cheating. There's a reason they sell projectors at art supply stores, for *this* reason specifically! If you create something beautiful and artistic, I don't personally think it should matter how you came to the final production.

Answer 3

many great painter "cheat" one way or another.
the results are never identical to the photograph anyway.
paints and crayons, or whatever, it will not be the same as a photograph, so you're still creating something new.

if you look at nature painters like robert bateman,etc
you will have a hard time to convince me that even he didn't copy from a photograph.

also, as a photographer, i don't see the point of a painting looking like a photograph, or vice versa.
it's pointless.

Answer 4

If you mean plagiarism, no...if you mean...not really drawing, but copying, no...this is a form of artistry. Back in the day before color photographs, people used to paint in the color on black and white photos. I have several old photos of Aunts and Uncles, that an artist painted over.

Answer 5

The only way it would be "cheating" is if you had a CLASS assignment to paint the picture without any photos or sketches.

Or if you were using someone elses artwork and then selling the images for profit.

Sounds like a great idea !!

Answer 6

No. Do what you have to do to get the effect you want. Some people think using rulers is cheating while trying to draw a straight line. I give the same answer to that one, also.

Answer 7

I'm not sure there really is such a thing as "cheating" in art. I think what you are doing is a perfectly fine practice especially since you are doing all the work yourself.

Answer 8

No, it doesn't matter as long as you're not trying to pass it off as something that it isn't. You really can't "cheat" in art, only lie.

Answer 9

No of cause it isn't carry on and enjoy yourself. Happy painting lol

Answer 10

Andy Warhol, one of America's greatest artists, did the same thing.