is it a violation of copyright to sketch buildings and statues as a part of landscapes?

Question

I love drawing landscapes and i use architectural wonders to recreate eras, so can i get in trouble? the problem is that there are millions of pictures of the same buildings, how can i do it?

Answer 1

If you are sketching the actual buildings in question I would say no because how you sketch them is not exactly the same as someone else. And certainly not the same as the actual building. However if you are taking your sketch from someone else's sketch then you might run into a problem if you make it look like theirs and put your name on it but more likely if you make a copy of their sketch and put their name on it for your profit.

Answer 2

Excellent question, and I gave it a well-deserved star!

It would not violate any copyrights to make sketches of buildings and statues. You could even SELL these sketches and any paintings derived from them with no problem. The only time you might be at risk is if you attempted to sell architectural features as your own work. In other words, if you told people that YOU designed the building or sculpture.

Once an artist places his work in public view, it would be nearly impossible to insist that no photos or drawings be made. In a gallery, however, the artist may be able to enforce a requirement that no images be made.

Remember, the architects original renderings are HIS. And, if you tried to build another building EXACTLY like his, you may face legal problems. But, keep in mind that he has to work to the same engineering standards as other designers. There are only so many ways to construct a giant cube, for example.

Answer 3

Recently, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland tried to sue a man selling a poster of the Hall ( distinctive bit of architecture from Pei) claimming it was infringing upon their trademark (much the same way as Disney claims Mickey.) Eventually they got shot down over making such a goofy claim about a public building.

If you draw it, even if it is based on a photograph, it is yours.

Answer 4

If you are sketching buildings/statues, etc., that would not be a copyright violation as this would be "your" original work. If you photograph the same, it would still be "your" original work. If you "copy/trace/reproduce" someone else's work or claim theirs as yours, then you are in violation. Anything that you create for your own pleasure is not a violation.
Check out:
http://www.whatiscopyright.org/
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

No theres no problem if your're just sketching for fun or for a friend. I don't think theres a problem if you sell it in a flea market or something. In high security areas they might think that you might be planning an attack or something so ask the security if your're doing it close up but if not just sit at a window and sketch!

Answer 6

if that is the case i would have some amount of law suits myself. been drawing buildings and all for years. one thing i did discover its not a good idea to be painting military barracks. I was arrested years ago for that, something about anti terrorist legislation. i thought it stupid myself since the barracks was photographed lots of times and was even in a calender i saw years before. so my warning is that you can paint what you like but be careful you don't do anything in a security risk area.

Answer 7

absolutely not.. if it's your rendition of a building or statue, it's no different than taking a picture..
Good question. you're not breaking any laws or anything by sketching a building that you like.

good luck.

Answer 8

no it isnt. u can paint buildings, celebrities and even copies of rembrandt van gogh and da vinci (not photocopies). it is an expression of ur creativity.it doesnt violate any law to paint or display ur paintings.