[rain]

Ok first, can anyone tell me a good cheapish colour theory book that I can get at chapters or amazon or somthing.
Second, I was wondering, what really are skills/techniques of a true artist. Meaning, what are the how to's and how not to's of using reference photos. And where on the continuum of copying photos to painting completely from imagination does someone that can be called a real artist emerge?

A nice lengthy thread would be great.
Thanks

[Gimbal8]

IMO The line that divides artist and non-artist is the same line that divides copying a photo and using one for reference.

Interestingly enough I had a history teacher buy a drawing I did in art class to which my friend said, "Your not an artist until you sell your first peice of art". I would hardly say that made me an artist. After all the drawing was, by assignment, to copy a photo...

What about photography as art? And what then of a photographer who copies one of his photos? Which is art then, his photo or the copy?

If someone who couldn't draw even a stick figure to save thier life described to someone else exactly how to paint the most beautiful picture, which is the artist then? The one with skilled hands or the one with the vision?

I'm more comfortable deciding if I like a picture or not then deciding if the person who made it is an artist or not anyway.

Color theory? Hell if I know...I'm still drawing lines.

[gArGOyLe^]

A person with the desire to create is an artist...

a good artist and a bad artist is totally up to the society he/she is growing in. Majority chooses if the artist is good or not..

A non artist does not want to create..does not think.. and does not go beyond the limitations set by society..

I dont believe art is about making other people happy (though thats important for making money).. its about contentment.. cleansing of ur troubles and self expression