Inside The Studio

Inspiration versus copying has come up a bit lately. We have been having some great discussions in 3rd grade about the difference between copying something and being inspired by something. We are doing Romare Bearden collages (I stay doubled over in laughter watching the 3rd grade musician collages come to fruition). Also, I was commissioned to copy one of my own paintings (it was by the same organization that commissioned the first painting so no harm done to “one of a kind” even though the new one is double the size of the first one). See previous post. I tell you this: copying even your own artwork (while it is flattering to be asked to do so) takes so much of the raw expression out. Often in a copy not only is the visual work not truly “original” but the emotions are not original going into it. That’s not to say that I didn’t put any emotion into my copy of my painting… it was there but I did have to find it. Could one that is copying a painting that is not their own put that raw emotion and expression in it? This is a good one to ponder as I am inclined to say “no” yet can think of exceptions…

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