What is Copyright © Pamela Harnois?

At Pamela Harnois Art, I understand the importance of providing a practical learning experience in my watercolor workshops and private sessions. I recognize that making a study or copy of a painting is an effective way to develop and refine watercolor techniques. However, I am committed to creative integrity and respect for US and international copyright laws, so while I encourage my students to learn and grow through studying and replicating artworks, it is essential to be aware of the boundaries set by copyright regulations.

Copying artwork during class or from my website and social media platforms should only be done for the purpose of creating direct studies or visible likenesses. Any reproductions that exceed the boundaries of fair use or misappropriate the original artist's intellectual property could potentially infringe upon copyright laws.

To ensure compliance and promote ethical practices, I request that my students and followers respect copyright laws and exercise caution when sharing or reproducing artworks. Creative integrity, coupled with a thorough understanding of intellectual property rights, helps maintain a fair and respectful environment within the artistic community.

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation in safeguarding the rights of artists and promoting a culture of respect for intellectual property. Together, we can foster an environment that encourages artistic growth while upholding legal and ethical principles.

What exactly does this mean?

Art has the power to inspire, provoke emotions, and stimulate creativity. However, in the realm of artistic expression, a line exists between homage and plagiarism. It is imperative to acknowledge the ethical and legal implications surrounding the sale, entry into competitions/art shows, donation for monetary gain, instructional use, and merchandising of copied artworks or studies.

The Distinction

Firstly, it is essential to distinguish between a copied piece of art and a study. A copied piece of art refers to a direct replica of an existing artwork, aimed at passing it off as the original. On the other hand, a study is a deliberate attempt to understand the techniques, composition, and style of an artwork through analysis and practice. While both may involve reproducing elements of existing artwork, their intentions and outcomes differ significantly.

Ethical Implications

• Theft of Intellectual Property: Distributing copied artwork for profit, whether it is through sale, participation in competitions/art shows, or merchandising, is an infringement on the artist's intellectual property rights. Artists invest their time, skills, and originality into their creations, and copying their work devalues their efforts and denies them due credit.
  

• Deception and Misrepresentation: Selling, exhibiting, or donating copied artwork without proper authorization not only misleads the audience but also undermines the credibility of the artist. Originality and authenticity are cherished aspects of art, and passing off a copy as an original can harm the reputation of both the artist and the artwork itself.
  

• Loss of Artist's Livelihood: When individuals engage in the unauthorized sale or promotion of copied artwork, they hinder the artist's ability to earn a fair income from their talent. Supporting copied works directly contributes to the devaluation of artistic endeavors and discourages artists from pursuing their craft fully.
  

• Stifling Creativity: Reproducing existing artworks for profit or public display inhibits artistic growth and creative exploration. Art is founded upon individual expression, personal interpretation, and innovation. Engaging in the unauthorized sale or presentation of copied artwork restricts the opportunity for artists to showcase their originality and impedes the broader evolution of artistic expressions.
  

Who owns the copyright of purchased original art?

Pamela Harnois Art retains all rights to any original artwork sold. This includes the rights to the image of my sold original paintings. I retain the right to make reproductions of any and all original artwork I create unless the collector has purchased the full or partial rights to the artwork. Copyright is not transferred to the client or person who purchased the original or printed art.