is it ok to use a royalty free photo to paint from?

Question

i would be planning on trying to sell the painting.

Answer 1

if it is a direct copy then no. if it is used as inspiration and made into its own image then sure

Answer 2

I think it would be ok if you use it to learn from but don't try to make money from it, and if someone wants to buy your painting then give credit to the original painting. Many artist at my art school use earlier paintings to study from , people learn a lot when one tries to copy a masterpiece. Just don't pawn it off as just your own work that's when one gets into the troublesome area give credit where credit is due and you should be ok. If your just using a photograph from another photographer whos' picture is in the public domain you won't have anything to worry about. As a matter of fact, the photographer might feel complimented that you chose his photograph to paint.

Answer 3

Yes.
Unless you are making a copy (in the sense of a perfect copy of the photograph) you are creating a new original work.

You may ask where the line is drawn?
"You may also be criminally liable if you willfully copy a work for profit or financial gain, or if the work has a value of more than $1,000. Penalties can include a one year jail sentence plus fines. If the value is more than $2,500, you may be sentenced to five years in jail plus fines. Criminal penalties generally apply to large-scale commercial piracy."

By the way: Royalty free means you can use it for free as is. It does not automatically mean you can alter it. Therefore it make no difference if the photo is royalty free or not.

Answer 4

u cant draw or paint on it direct /that will damaged the paper