The copied art and my original painting, Blush Roses on Stacked Books.

This weekend, my heart sank when I discovered on Instagram that another artist had blatantly copied my original oil painting, Blush Roses on Stacked Books, completed in January 2024. After visiting the artist’s website, I was shocked to learn that not only had they reproduced my work, but they had signed it as their own and sold it for profit. As a creative artist, I find this act not only a violation of copyright law but also deeply unethical—a betrayal of the trust and integrity that form the foundation of our artistic community.

The Pain of Art Theft

Discovering that someone has taken your work, claimed it as their own, and profited from it is a gut punch. Creating art is an intensely personal process, born from hours of dedication, emotion, and unique perspective. To see that effort disregarded and exploited is disheartening. My painting, Blush Roses on Stacked Books, is not just a composition—it’s a reflection of my experiences, my worldview, and my voice as an artist. To have it copied and sold feels like a violation of that sacred creative space.

Copying as Learning vs. Copying as Theft

I understand the impulse to copy art we admire. I’ve done it myself, creating master copies to study the techniques of artists I respect. In fact, I teach classes on master copying, guiding students to learn from the greats. But there’s a critical distinction: those copies remain in my personal collection. They’re tools for education, helping me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the art that inspires me. These studies inform my original work, serving as references that shape my creative process without ever being presented as my own creations.

Copying for learning is a time-honored tradition in art. It’s how we grow, how we hone our craft. But when an artist takes a copy, signs it as their own, and sells it, they cross a line from learning to fraud. This isn’t just unethical—it’s illegal, constituting a clear infringement of copyright.

Defining Original, Derivative, and Copied Art

To clarify the boundaries, let’s break down the types of art we create:

Original Art: This is art born entirely from your unique worldview and experiences. It’s nurtured through your personal lens, expressed authentically, and created with intention. Original art is a true reflection of who you are as an artist.
Derivative Art: This is art inspired by other sources—other artists, photographers, or visual media. While it draws from external influences, derivative art should still carry your unique voice. However, it can easily veer into problematic territory if it mimics the original inspiration too closely, blurring the line between influence and imitation.
Copied Art: This is where the line is crossed into unethical territory. Copied art involves mimicking someone else’s work to the best of your ability and then fraudulently claiming it as your own. It’s morally bankrupt and fails to express what makes you, the artist, special and unique.

A Call to Create Authentically

My message today is one of encouragement: embrace your own voice and create work that reflects your unique perspective. Look to the world for inspiration—study it, learn from it, and let it fuel your creativity. But don’t stop at copying. Use those lessons as scaffolding to build something new, something that’s undeniably you.

We learn by copying, but we grow when we step away from imitation and explore our authentic voice. Sharing that voice with the world can be intimidating—it requires vulnerability and courage. But the more you create from a place of authenticity, the more you learn about yourself. Each piece becomes a step toward becoming a stronger, more confident artist.

This photo was taken at the end of the day when I completed the first layer of the painting Blush Roses on Stacked Books.

The Power of Growth Through Originality

Being an artist is about growth. Every time we pick up a brush, pencil, or stylus, we have the opportunity to evolve. When we create work that’s true to who we are, we not only honor our own journey but also contribute something meaningful to the world. Let’s reject the temptation to take shortcuts through copying and instead challenge ourselves to create art that’s as unique as we are.

To my fellow artists: let’s protect our creative community by valuing originality and respecting each other’s work. And to those who are tempted to copy: your talent is enough. Your voice matters. Create something that’s yours, and let it shine.

#SupportOriginalArt #ArtEthics #CreateYourVoice