The Reach of a Painting

I have received numerous requests from all over the world to use my painting, GRIEF, for seminars, lectures, grief counseling sessions, cover for Women's Review of Books, cover for a Dutch psychology book, religious retreats, etc.

Sometimes, I discover the image being used without my permission for blogs and Facebook pages. Most are not aware that it is illegal to use copyrighted works without permission.

It has been uplifting to know that my painting has touched so many hearts over the years. It is more than an artist could hope for.

LEARNING HOW TO SUFFER

"Leren Lijden" (roughly translated, "Learning how to suffer") is a book on psychology by Martin Appelo published in the Netherlands.  On the front cover is an image of my painting "Grief".  While I can't understand a word of Dutch, I am flattered that they chose "Grief" for its cover.

 

COPYING IMAGES - ILLEGAL OR NOT?

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.

Grief on the cover of Leben Magazine

My painting, Grief,  has made it to the cover of Leben Magazine, a journal of Reformation life.  I don't know anything about the magazine but I was informed that they use a variety of subjects and styles for their cover.  Here it is:

 

OLPE Exhibit Extended at the Watergate Gallery

The exhibit "Our Lady of Perpetual Exhaustion" at the Watergate Gallery is being extended until Saturday, October 19, 2013.  The varied interpretation of the theme by 33 local artists (including myself) has drawn quite a bit of interest.  If you haven't seen the show, there are additional receptions scheduled as follows:

Reception:  Thursday, September 26,  6:30-8:30 pm
Reception:  Saturday, October 5, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

PARTY TO END THE EXHIBIT:   Saturday, October 19, 5-8 pm

Copying images - theft or compliment?

I google myself rarely but did several days ago and was surprised to find my painting Grief (below) in a few sites.  I had the same experience a couple of years ago and wrote on the blog of the author, asking why my permission was not asked before posting the image.  The image had been taken out.  This time, I posed the same question to the blogger, got a huge apology and my image was taken out.  He studiously looked for my name to give me credit and that was much appreciated.

I have a website and a blog so my paintings are "out there" and can be  used.  I have no watermark to protect it because I don't like watermarks - it ruins the image, I think.  In this day and age of the internet, images can be easily copied and used, copyright notwithstanding.    

"Grief" has been used quite a few times in people's blogs to reflect their feelings about a personal or public tragedy and I am flattered.  I am proud of this piece, as well as my other paintings of "suffering women".  But I would appreciate it very much if those wishing to use any of my images to ask my permission first and not to attribute their postings to me.

 

"Grief" by Cynthia Angeles

GRIEF

Grief, Oil on Linen, 31" x 25" 

I can best express my feelings about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut through my painting above, Grief.