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Tremendous things are in store for you! Many inspirational treats await you! Inside this Scrumdiddlyuptious blog you will find mystic and marvelous surprises that will entrance, intrigue, & delight you beyond measure. So don't just sit there with your mouth open. Go on. FEED YOUR IMAGINATION!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Happy Friday: Painting Progress

This lopsided photo is of the painting I'm slowly working on. Since it is an oil painting and I am working in thin layers... it is slow moving. But if you can tell, from the way it started (the way it was "finished" in 2006) I have worked on the skin so that it is less of an under painting. The weird bird creature is getting some work too. And I've tried to add a bit of life to all the eyes, which laid flat before.

Here it is before:
I really liked the under painted skin tones, but felt that with the other areas left in under painting, it was lost in translation and looked unfinished. I suppose that is the challenge of adding to a painting. Perhaps I should have left well enough alone.

I also made two Day of the Dead ATCs for a swap (even though that holiday is in November!)
The first is Frida inspired:

Here is the photograph that inspired it:
"Frida on White Bench" photograph by Nickolas Muray, 1939

And the second was from an image I found on the web:

Here is the original:
I found it at this site. But it does not appear to be that individual's own art. So I'm not sure who should get the credit. There is a signature that I can't make out to google... so if you know who this belongs to please let me know! Its beautiful, isn't it.

I hesitated posting this, since there was an interesting post on another artist's blog yesterday about plagiarism. She had found art that was very similar to her own, obviously copy work, yet it still had individual touches and translations of the copying artist. The artist of the original piece wondered if it was plagiarism since it was so similar. Not wanting to be one to jump to conclusions, I googled the subject to see if others were doing similar zentangles. I ended up finding the blog of the artist who copied the work. Immediately below her image she explained that the credit should go to the original artist, who she named. When I saw this, I went back to leave a comment on the original artist's post stating that she had been given credit, so what was the problem? It was an honest question, that I did not receive a reply to. Interestingly enough, my comment was not published either. hmmm. I've been taught that as long as you give a citation and don't claim the idea as your own - then it is not plagiarism. I've also been taught that if you don't have all the information, such as the image above, that you provide all the information that you can. This is not simply polite blogging - but what academically is acceptable. So, even though my image is very closely copied to the original, I still do not think it is plagiarism if I provide credit to the original. Apparently, from the post I saw yesterday, this opinion is not always shared.

What are YOUR thoughts on the matter? 

35 comments:

Micaela said...

i agree with you! really (btw, i looooove that frida inspired one!)

this is why i've hesitated opening up an etsy shop of COLLAGED images with quotes i love... i thought saying a disclaimer that this is not my original thought (quote) or images per say but the act of creating a collage is to put together scraps of paper, no?

weird right? it's not like you're copying the artwork and selling it & taking credit... that would be straight up plagiarism.

anyway, i totally agree with you :)

Jenny Blair said...

wow, what an amazing painting in progress...and I'm particularly impressed you have been working on it since 2006! Wow!..I'm terribly guilty of never returning to something if I stop midway!
Interesting post about plagiarism....I had the same thoughts as you..but am not too savvy when it comes to things like that..
Lovely to meet you through PPF! :)

Sacred Yoli said...

Wow, your imagery on your painting is powerful. Glad you are finishing it. I have some unfinished pieces that I have neglected as well.

I know plagiarism is such a complex subject. I am constantly inspired by artists, masters and art teachers. I always give credit where it is due, and constantly try to stay true to my style. I am a work in progress.
Happy ppf

Gloria said...

I agree with Yoli. Always give credit where credit is due. If someone inspires me and I want to do a similar painting, I always give credit to the person who inspired me and never "copy." I think that painting is great. I wonder who painted the original? Hopefully some day you'll find out. Take care and keep on painting.

Netty said...

I love your first piece, so interesting and look forward to seeing it completed. Beautiful work. Happy PPF, Annette x

laurie said...

can't wait to see this finished,, thank you for visiting me today,,

Rosie Kaplan said...

Hmm - interesting question that I don't have time to answer now. Do love the work though and the painting is very interesting. ♥ Rosie

Kiki aka Victoria said...

Beautiful painting..lovely work!
Happy PPF!
I love what Yoli and Gloria said and agree..it is wonderfully empowering to honor fellow artists and creatives and give credit for their work always!
Wonderful post.
Victoria

Giggles said...

Beautiful painting, unique and mysterious! I'm always inspired by other artist putting my own spin on things. Sadly when we put everything out there, it's possible for people to copy.I guess if they're making money that could be where things get sticky!

Marlene said...

Beautiful, interesting painting. You can look at this for a long time and still see new things in it. Love Frida and the portrait also.

Tammie said...

your oil painting is wonderfully unique. Nice to see all your art and their inspirations.

shedreamsofthesea said...

Stunning art! Really love the first painting.

Mary Hysong said...

Well, how do we learn but by copying? I think the major difficulty especially with the internet is copying and disseminating original works for profit without giving credit or $ to the original artist. It is a very fine line thought; Also if you enter competitions and such many have rules that even the reference photos you used must be yours or you must have written permission to use them.

Thanks for stopping by my place and Happy PPF!

Jenn Girl said...

Beautiful painting! Thanks for sharing and thanks for commenting on my blog!

Christine said...

I like that first oil painting, coming along so nicely.

priti.lisa said...

I think it should be flattering to move someone with your art to the point they make their own. Being secure and knowing that no art is original, just as there are no new music arrangements is the beauty of individualality.♥♥

Diana Evans said...

oh wow!!! these are amazing.....wonderful work!!!!

Hybrid J said...

Wonderful art ...

I'm also intrigued by the "copyright" issue and hope there's someone / someplace which could give good advice.

Julie said...

Speaking of copyright....tune into my blog on Monday for a big announcement..

Back to PPF...I love your paintings! I think each of them are fantastic! Happy PPF :)

La Abela said...

I like your painting ... on the issue of plagiarism, I think that if you copy a picture of Frida, always a copy to which you put your soul, not trying to be Frida, just play your ideas your way. Saludos

craftattack said...

I am sure Frid awould be happy to see us using her beautiful work. People often have similar ideas or are inspired by the same subjects, the borders are very fine and flowing. Personally I don't mind if someone is inspired by mine, as long as it not just done by copy and paste! Hugs, Valerie

Roban Studio said...

Unfortunately, your are infringing on copyright! Yours looks exactly like the original except for the colors and other subtle changes. That is plagiarism and you should stop doing it, before you find yourself in trouble. You need to be true to your own art, find your own sources of inspiration and take it from there. If you copy someone else's art it should only be to practice and never published as your own. I'm sorry but this had to be said, please don't take it personally. But it's the truth.

Also, if you use someone else's work you must first get their permission. If you don't, you can only use 5 - 10% of the original work and it must be unrecognizable to the original.

NatashaMay said...

Oh, love, love, love all three. :) You're doing great progress on oil painting. I do not have the patience for oil paints to dry so I'm always impressed by artist who use them. :)

About the other thing. Each country has a law about this that states how much of an original work can be used in your art to be called plagiarism even if you do give credits to the original artist.

I don't see anything wrong if someone copies artwork for learning and gives credit but it is another thing if that copy is sold for profit.

And there is a difference if the copied artist is already dead and sufficient time has passed for the copyrights to have parished or the artist is conteporary.

That's what I got from the coyright law in out county but I don't know if it applies to other countries.

Kristin Dudish said...

This is such an interesting post!

I am still so intrigued by your first oil painting! Have you ever seen Paul Gauguin's "Spirit of the Dead Watching" painting... there is a similar feel (Kind of. Yours has a more modern, edgy feel)... Very cool!

In art school we actually had assignments to copy drawings by "the masters" - it was a learning tool... But that was only for personal use (not for sale)...

Have a great weekend!

xo
Kristin

p.s. Here is a post you might find interesting:
http://www.austinkleon.com/2011/03/30/how-to-steal-like-an-artist-and-9-other-things-nobody-told-me/

peggy gatto said...

It reminds me of paul gaugin , a painter I love!!!
Lovely art!

Carola Bartz said...

As far as I know about this subject, Rhonda is right (Roban Studio).
If I use someone else's work on my blog or facebook, I first ask for permission - just to be on the safe side. And of course I always give credit, I think this is just good blogger etiquette.
However, it is kind of a foggy subject. I wish I knew more about it.

Sunshineshelle said...

Loving the work esp the nude, there's this guy called Derek Turcotte who's a tattoo/fine artist, the skull girl looks very similar to his style, but not sure if his or not, I can see why you were inspired, great stuff!

Denni said...

I love your first painting it does remind me of Paul Gauguin, not that you are copying... ;)
People are so sensitive about copyrights.

Part of me can understand why, when someone works hard and makes something great and another copies it, they are stealing. It' not right.

Although, I also feel like with the internet, people are able to steal whatever they want. We're all going to have to get used to it. The only thing you can do is get into expensive legal battles that probrably won't work anyway.

I read about an artist who does amazing work that sells for thousands of dollars. Some guy in another country is copying her work exactly and selling it. He also has the nerve to post all of her stuff as his on facebook.

I'm sure he's making a killing copying her work. What I don't understand is, if he is that talented to make her stuff exactly, why doesn't he just use his own imagination?

Anyway, if I were her I would just forget it, and move on. If you can't do anything about it why get yourself upset. Just remember that you are the one with the original ideas and keep them flowing.

Sunshineshelle said...

Oh I just saw the little skull in the heart of the rose!!!

Anne said...

For some reason the text of this post isn't showing up for me. Wish I could see it because, judging from the comments, it sounds interesting. Your paintings look beautiful, though. Glad you're going ahead with that first one!

EVA said...

I like the changes you have made so far on the first painting. The other two are such fun!

I think you have given appropriate credit and the original artist should be flattered - unless you are trying to sell your work against theirs. That is a different issue.

Pam Tucker said...

I LOVE your oil painting! It's wonderful. I'm so bad about starting work and not finishing. I can't wait to see where you take this one.

Paula - Buenos Aires said...

As I´m not a professional artist, I´d think along the same lines as you do. Give credit, modify, go on. If money is involved it is unfortunately a whole another matter.
I do admire your working layer on layer.

BahamaDawn said...

love your post and your paintings!!

meaghan said...

I actually stumbled on your site looking to by a print of the day of the dead girl. but i don't know the name or the artist either. it is in the February 2009 Issue of Tattoo Magazine in an article about Sullen Clothing and their Day of the Dead party/art/fashion show hope that helps you find the copyright info, as it is NOT helping me.