BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Creativity Is cheating okay?

This week's article is a cheat's guide to creating a portrait for Mother's day.

What do you think of paint-by-numbers, tracing, and other cheating methods of creating artworks? Is it okay to have fun with them? Is it okay to take credit for making something using a template of some sort, or should you confess?

I've heard some artists say that even using a photograph to copy from is cheating, because the photograph gives you a guide to the perspective, depth perception, and tones that you can use to create the artwork. You therefore don't develop and don't use your own artist's eye to interpret a three dimensional scene into the two dimensions needed (or three to three if you're sculpting). The artwork is also less "alive" because a photograph lacks some of the elements that an artist can capture better in their interpretation.

I both agree and disagree. When I was learning (hell, I'm still learning <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />) to draw and paint, I found black and white pictures very useful to identify the tones and shading that I would need. I feel this actually helped to develop my eye, rather than hindering the development. I can now move on to the challenge of interpreting a living scene, rather than using a photograph.

The other consideration, of course, is attempting to paint or draw something that simply won't keep still, like a bird. Some people have the amazing talent of being able to draw from memory - I don't. A photograph captures the moment that would otherwise be forgotten too quickly. And don�t forget someone who might want to paint a portrait of a deceased person.

What do you think?

Paint-by-numbers, tracing, templates, stencils, etc… single choice
	are all cheating! Don’t go near them!
	Don’t take it so seriously – it’s meant to be fun!
Votes accepted starting: 05/04/06 01:24 AM
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Painting or drawing from a photograph is... single choice
	cheating
	good sense
	okay for beginners only
	only okay if you’re trying to capture a fleeting moment and no other way will do
Votes accepted starting: 05/04/06 01:24 AM
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If you create a lovely work of art using paint-by-numbers and you’re proud of it, you should... single choice
	Hang it up in your home and show everyone how artistic you are
	Hang it up in your home and show everyone but confess that you used paint-by-numbers
	Hang it up in your home and show everyone but tell them your nephew did it using paint-by-numbers
	Hang it in the back room where you can see it but don’t show anyone
	Dump it in the charity bin, unsigned
	Burn it, nobody must know
	Prime over the numbers and use the canvas to create a proper work of art
	Paint-by-numbers?! Since when would I be seen dead anywhere near a paint-by-numbers kit?!
Votes accepted starting: 05/04/06 01:24 AM
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My family would know automatically that if I did a painting it would have to be "by numbers". <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I can do the little cartoony faces like I did for my grandmother's Christmas ornaments, and I feel I am creative in putting stuff together - combining colors and such. But I have no real talent when it comes to painting, drawing - although I really wish I did. I would love to be able to express myself on paper in ways other than words.

So for those of us non-professionals, we've gotta have a little help! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Sometimes you just need to do something with your own hands, and these easier methods may seem like cheating to those of great talent, but it's a lifseaver for me!

I thought you were talking about infidelity!!
I saw the thread title, and clicked into the thread, and saw the poll and wondered what the heck you were talking about!

I'm shattered, I really am... oh, for a bit of juicy gossip...!!!

BTW... I did an arts degree.
Cheating is not good.

bad girls, bad!!

LOL Alexandra! Oh I thought I'd catch someone in my little trap Mwhaahhaahaa! Actually, I thought someone might think I was talking about cheating at exams or something like that. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No matter what age my kids get, if they make me a paint by number piece of art work for Mommy's Day, I wouldn't care because it was from them LOL

Robin Hobb, my new favourite author, equates writing fan fiction to doing a paint-by-numbers artwork. Read her rant here.

I have a Celtic Mandala coloring book. It's the most relaxing thing.... I LOVE to color in it. I'm not creating art from scratch... but I'm sure having a GREAT time!

Colouring in! Now that's something I haven't done in a LONG time... mmm, I think I might need to do something about that...

Elle, I could not believe how relaxing it was! And how FUN! I ended up getting an herbal plant coloring book too, I was just having so much fun LOL.

Professionally speaking, probably wouldn't put one in a "place of honor" in a clients work or living spaces unless they were really into the Retro vibe.

I actually like the 'retro-camp' value of paint-by-numbers. It is part of pop-culture, quick, colorful and therefore is a fun CRAFT, like any other 'kit art" that anyone with the will to make something can be successful with.

As a creativity coach/art instructor/muralist, I would tend to tell my students & clients not to take it seriously, simply enjoy it for what it is and keep up the freehand painting and drawing practice.
BUT to keep this in context - paint-by-number definitely has its place in the Retro-Art/Craft genre and can be a fun addition to living spaces and craft rooms.

I have two neat PBN pieces that my aunt did back in the era of PBN's heyday installed in original funky frames that my granny made for them....they have a fun look and currently reside at the cabin in the mountains.

Keep Creating!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/rolling.gif" alt="" />