Copying images – illegal or not?

on

I googled myself recently and found that at least 20 sites have used images of my paintings (Grief, more than the others) without my permission. Because my images are not watermarked and are mostly in high resolution, they are easily pulled out and copied. I have a presence in several art websites like Saatchi, Barebrush Gallery, ArtPal, etc. so this is easily done.

I have contacted some of the unauthorized users and gently chastised them for using my images without permission and most have been apologetic.

Of course, there are those who have sought my permission and I appreciate the gesture. In return, they have given me credit accordingly (name and website) and, in a few cases, copies of their magazines.

I have copyright for all my artwork. I don’t wish to charge for the privilege of using my images because, in a way, copying is a form of flattery. Sometimes, though, this indiscriminate copying can get out of control.

Leave a Reply