This painting was made in 1941 and is somewhat known in our part of the world.  I was thinking of replicating this it as a photograph.  This raises two questions I'd like opinions on...

1. Is it appropriate to copy a painting, ie. use it as an inspiration for a photograph, or is this like stealing an idea?  I wouldn't want to dishonour the painter in any way.  I'm hoping that this falls under the immitation-is-the-best-form-of-flattery catagory.

2. I have an idea what the painting is intended to mean, but what statement do you think it's making?  I wouldn't want to replicate the idea should it be somehow derogatory towards women?

You can see the painting here:

http://cypress.homeunix.org/tmp/Nude_and_Dummie.jpg

Evidently Picasso said something to the effect that good artists borrow, great artists steal.

Steve Hanks, excellent painter of the female form:


Dario Impini, inspired photographer of the female form:

As far as meaning of that painting... uh...

I dont know... she has desires to break out from the bounds the female form has imposed on her?  I dunno.

I've had a few painters contact me, asking for my blessing for using my photographs as the basis for their paintings.  I've felt flattered & have usually consented.  For the painter who regularly sells her paintings, she offered me 10%, which I thought was appropriate.

Step carefully.  There are copyright issues in play.  Switching media alone is not sufficient to garantee "fair use."  I know of one case where a photographer successfully sued a painter who who "copied" his photo of John Lennon.  But on the other hand, if there is not a ton of money on the line, no one has a reason to sue you.  And there are all sorts of ways to "borrow" that are fair use.  Let the work inspire you without direct copying.