Her white leg

x118 her white leg
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is a more abstract figure drawing (with ink wash) of Jenny, a model here in the Bay area that I have used for almost 6 years now. This is one of my more favorite drawings of her and I am not sure why.

Backyard Hammock

Backyard afternoon in the Hammock
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

This is decidedly a more impressionistic plein air oil painting than usual for me. sometimes when the mood is so classic I just can't help myself. I dashed this one off quickly as the sun changes so fast through the trees and buildings. if I were to do it over again I might change the composition (with the hammock being so close to the right edge). On the other hand, being off-centered almost makes if feel like it is swaying in the breeze. Overall, I am pleased witht he movement of the light and feeling of the painting. It's so peaceful on the perfect spring afternoon.

Copyright Infringement and your art

104b leaning back
Originally uploaded by rudisillart.

I had an unfortunate incident with one of my pieces lately. When I happen to run across an artist's color version of my work on Flickr, I approached him and asked for attribution. I know that artists often copy other artists' works in order to learn new techniques, etc. BUT one should always credit the original artist. In this case, the artist who copied my work declined to credit me and then the Israeli artist deleted the images from his website.

It is clear copyright infringement where the artist from Israel, saw my drawing/painting on the web, and copied it with almost the only variation being adding some color. He then posted his images to Flickr (showing a watercolor and canvas copy in preparation for an exhibit he was having in Tel Aviv ) where I was surprised to run across them.

Of course there is not much I can do unless I want to hire a layer to chase him down in Israel, but clearly my copyrighted watermark on my piece did nothing to deter this artist from disrespecting me (and all artists). Somehow it is espcially upsetting when it is another artist who rips you off, not a "corporation" or someone who doesn't understand the personal investment we all make in our work.

Copyright law is different in every country, too, which makes us all the more vulnerable when we use the web to promote or share our work. It's a double-edged sword.