Jessica Elisabeth wrote

on 1 Mar 2011 1:12 PM

While trying to teach myself to watercolor I bought a book Brush with watercolour: Painting landscapes the easy way  and completed many of the watercolors he shows you how to paint throughout the book. Now I'm wondering if these watercolors are considered my own originals or if it would be a copyright infringement to call them that if I want to enter them into a contest? I'm very new at all things art but am really enjoying myself I just don't want to step on toes: ) Here's the picture I painted that is on the book's front cover

DanaD12 wrote

on 1 Mar 2011 3:13 PM

If you copy a painting out of a book, it is not deemed your original.  It may be used for study purposes but only that.  Selling it and collecting money for it would be copyright infringement. 

However, it is possible to copy paintings and when titleing them to post "After So and So (the artist's name)". 

judyl40 wrote

on 2 Mar 2011 9:10 AM

Just my opinion, but I think new artists really jump the gun on trying to show, sell & promote their work. Give yourself some time to really learn & explore this stuff before entering contests or exhibitions.

And enjoy the journey!

You don't attempt to swim the English Channel when you've just learned to swim 5 laps.

Judy

rjoynerartist wrote

on 3 Mar 2011 3:46 AM

Greetings,

I think Judy makes a great point. Use the tutorials as a way of breaking the ice! Your style will eventually makes it's way to the surface with diligent work and passion. If you did sell the work, you'll probably regret it down the road as your work will become more of a self expression, and not a 'painting'. There's a difference between artist's and painter's. You want to become an artist!

All the best!