Expert: DJ Murphy - 10/25/2008

Question
I love drawing and paintings. Usually I paint replicas. Usually I took a realistic oil painting and paint the replica in dry pastels or in colored pencils. Is it right to convert it in different medium and in different colors. Please tell me the rules of replicas. can I convert a realistic painting to abstract. Can I sign my replica painting and even exhibit with my name. And what about paintings which are drawn from photographs rather than real models or scenes.

Answer
Hello,

Any image is automatically copywritten and cannot be replicated...even though you are using a different medium. The exception is when the copywrite ends.....and I am not sure about this time period.  Best bet is to do a search on line.  Also check out artcalendar.com  which is the website of the magazine Art Calendar.  It is a very good reference for artists in all range of subjects.

Your best bet is to do originals!

dj murphy
www.galleryonemain.com