Sunday 20 April 2014

Setting the Record Straight!!

I was a bit shell shocked to find on facebook I was being accused of copying Jean Haines work....in fact doing two direct copies of dogs from one of her books ( which I cannot find incidentally!) and passing them off as my own. If anyone is interested, these are the links to the paintings and my ramblings about them...... Holly and Boo.

I am very aware of this issue and as you will see in this post always try to give credit whenever I have used their ideas or if I have in fact used an image to copy from. I am not going to list links to all the posts in my blog but you will find paintings done from Jean's book, paintings done in Joanne Boon Thomas' workshops and also a blog where I state my views on copying from other artists in general...... so rest assured, it happens!!

I haven't heard anything from the person in question and don't suppose I will now but I am writing this blog as I was extremely offended and upset by the comment especially as those who follow me on here know that I work hard at my art and though I do follow and admire both Jean and Joanne's work and am influenced by them (there are many others too) I would never do a copy from them unless it was to learn something in particular and then I would more than likely post here and discuss what I've done. Apart from that I always produce my own work usually from images though my next aim is to work more from life and maybe do more plein air.

So although this was my idea for my next post I guess it also illustrates a point too!!

I was asked by one or two members of a group I visit to hold a small one day loose watercolour workshop for 6 of them where I could give more one on one tuition and they could really get to grips with some of the things I do in the bigger sessions at their group. They wanted to do some flowers and animals so I took some images, they took some of their own and armed with all sorts of examples and exercises I set off on Thursday to the session.

They were all experienced watercolourists, but as I hear all the time wanted to "loosen" up their style so we started off practising techniques of losing and softening edges doing roses and pinks. I try to keep hard edges to a minimum until I know I want one... they are much easier to add than get rid of so I don't commit too soon in a painting. You will see a step by step to some pinks in an earlier blog which demonstrates the sort of thing and I also did a blog about some roses back in 2012. So we practiced this for the morning, then moved on to animals for the afternoon session.

I have seen Jean do animals several times and the last demo in my previous blog blew me away and I thought I would have a go showing them how to paint an eye and move on to the rest of the features. I can draw fairly well and do a lot of work with no predrawing, but demonstrating this in front of a few people is a touch daunting! I have a lovely photo of a squirrel by Paul Sherman from Paint my Photo which I have used before and adapted to create an xmas card and as it has a good eye thought it would be suitable to try. I also had one of my little Grandpup Archie whose nose I demonstrated too!!

This is my effort

Not finished as you can see but as it is in on the corner of a piece of paper with all sorts of exercises and examples doubt it ever will be!! Eye looks a bit big but hey we were doing eyes so don't mind that!!

So, as I have taken this idea from Jean's workshop I would rightly mention that here, but what I would say is that this was done without reference to any of her work on the day, without having practised what she did and done from my brush and an image I had taken to the session so this is how I would paint it, yes with influences, ideas and some tips learned from Jean but nevertheless my brushstrokes, producing my work!! I also think Jean would be pleased to see me doing something like this as it is testimony to her skills as a teacher and just like Joanne, Jean has a mission to spread the love of watercolour to all those prepared to listen!!

Rant over!!

18 comments:

  1. Your painting of Holly is lovely. I like Jean Haines's work, as much as the next person, but to my mind Jean demonstrates, explains, teaches and shows people how to paint in 'her style'....so if someone (anyone) paints something anywhere even 'similar', what is the issue. Surely Jean would be pleased that anyone has picked up her methods (actually the methods of many many artists not just Jean) and these have rubbed off on others anyway. Apart from all that your work is very clear and you can see what the subject is...so fully support what you have done.

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  2. Thank you so much for that Ann....I totally agree with what you say and yes Jean is really pleased to see the progress of people who attend her classes and unless someone does what would seem to be an absolute copy of maybe a subject and composition she has chosen, she is thrilled that people are getting so much out of their art. I try in my sessions to teach the techniques and skills needed firstly to paint and secondly to paint in a looser way and not everything I teach is what I have been taught... I throw a few of my own observations in too!! I do appreciate your voice of support, thank you.....

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  3. I think it is really difficult (almost impossible) to come up with a completely new and different style - just by the nature of the number of people painting. As you say, if you paint in a loose style (which I absolutely love) there is always a danger that someone, somewhere, will think it looks like another artist's work. If an artist does classes, DVD's and books (and some on YouTube as well) then they are inviting people to try out that particular style. However, with this loose style it is also extremely difficult to actually copy a painting, as the paint often goes where it chooses and so even the original artist probably can't replicate a picture. I have followed your work for absolutely ages - and know that you have painted in this way for a long time. Ignore the Facebook comment (if possible) - which I saw as I follow you on that - and was absolutely amazed that someone could come up with a comment like that. As you say, they haven't replied to your message - obviously discovered that they had made a mistake and aren't prepared to apologise. Keep up the wonderful work - always a joy to see what you have been up to.

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    1. I do appreciate you taking the time to comment in such a lovely positive way Lynn. No-one person has the monopoly on any style or material and as you say I have been working like this for some time now and am always seeking to improve. I will put the comment behind me and move on as I don't want it to affect how I paint. I suppose it was the implication that I was dishonest in my efforts, when I try to be exactly the opposite and behave honourably and ethically, which really upset me!!

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    2. I know it is difficult to move on - a comment like that hits you and implies something underhand - which is totally incorrect. The trouble with the internet is that people put comments down in a split second and don't consider the consequences - often saying something they wouldn't dream of saying to someone's face. I often worry that by adding a combination of medium (I love mixing them) it might be seen that I am taking on someone else's style. However, we all experiment and not surprisingly one can end up with a similar result (at least in some peoples' eyes). As you say - no-one has a monopoly on style and material - and we all have our own way of portraying something. However, the internet is also a great tool to enable all of us to follow our favourite artists and be inspired by them. The only reason I am on Facebook, for example, is to follow artists, galleries etc - I have discovered so many brilliant painters through this method. However, before I ever press "send" on any comment, I always re-read it to make sure it can't be misconstrued in any way. While writing this, Stephanie just posted - completely agree with her.

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    3. I think you are right that people post before they think with little regard for the consequences in a lot of cases..... if I did that and I had upset someone I do think I would apologise and try to make amends for the faux pas!! This is the first time I have experienced anything negative like this but I'm a big girl and will get over it lol !!

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  4. Unless we live and paint in a vacuum, we will all pick up hints and tips and techniques from the many artists all around us. Jean didn't invent her style all on her own, she absorbed the teachings of her tutors, took it on board and developed it her own way. That is exactly what all of us do - we read, we follow favourite artists on social media, we attend workshops, we experiment. Yes your style has strong hints of Jean in it, but your style is more defined and much more you than anyone else.

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    1. Thanks Stephie... I totally agree and I do know that my work has been influenced not only by Jean but Joanne and others too... and if that had been said I would have been in agreement. The implication that I had directly copied from her book, that I would sell them (after all they were commissions) then post on fb to pass off as my own questions my integrity which was what really upset me. Anyone who knows me and follows my blog will know that I credit other artists wherever I can and am very mindful of not even using their exercises in my classes!!

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  5. I'm sorry this has happened. We all have a natural way of painting and your usual way is probably near to Jean Haines anyway. As I think Hazel Soan is the nearest to how I naturally paint. And yes I go on workshops and watch many DVD's and read books, because I have a thirst for knowledge. There are only so many ways you can paint for example a dog and there is such as thing as coincidence. Enjoy how you paint and passing on to others your skills. Take care xx

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    1. Thanks you Polly I think you raise a good point as my natural way is to paint in a very loose way and I have had to rein myself in as there is a very fine line between loose and sloppy and believe me before I developed some proper watercolour skills I was sloppy!! So I learned to paint in a more controlled, tighter way until I had the skills to embrace my natural tendencies and loosen up in a more controlled way!!

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  6. Dear Judith, anyone mean enough to make that comment in public is either a bit daft or incredibly jealous. Jean teaches others to paint in her style - that is what all her workshops are about. Your methods may be similar but anyone who is not blind can see you have your own style. Keep it up.

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    1. Thank you Lindsay....I will carry on as anyone who knows me knows what I'm about and how this couldn't be further from the truth... I have actually been on more of Joannes' workshops than Jeans so it may be said I paint more like Joanne but I do think I paint like me and more so as I progress. So I agree my methods are similar but my brushstrokes are so much heavier and less subtle!!

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  7. Unfortunately you are not the first person just this week that I've read has been accused like this. (Different style of art, someone who uses pens) And like you this other artist on FB came back with facts to back themselves up and like you they are so generous with how they do things, what materials they use etc, etc. The accusers never seem to back up what they are saying do they? Just throw it out there thoughtlessly. You only need to glance through your blog to see how much credit you give people and links back all over the place. Keep being you. x

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    1. Thank you Carmen, I will continue as I am!! I was just bothered that people might actually believe what had been written which could have been quite damaging especially when there wasn't an ounce of truth in it. I do have a very honest streak which wouldn't let me take credit where it wasn't due which is why I do make mention on my blog when I have been helped or used something from someone else. The other thing is that even if I was trying to pull the wool over everyone elses' eyes... it wouldn't be helping me one bit and the bottom line is I want to improve and produce work which is entirely my own and I can be proud of!!

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  8. A lovely article which covered some important and topical issues really well. I too have recently 'discovered' Jean Haines's work and am keen to practice her methods. I also have an art blog 'Artist Studio Stories' at http://julianlovegroveart.com . I don't get many comments yet though.

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  9. Thank you Julian, I've added your blog on my list to follow!! Might even get around to adding comments from time to time!!

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  10. No time to read all your other comments, so forgive the repetition here. Jealousy is an ugly green monster that eats away at some people's souls… do NOT let people like that steal your joy in your work. I've 'known' you via the internet for quite a few years now, and the very idea that someone would accuse you of plagiarism is ridiculous. Shack it off, and block that person, so that you don't have to deal with them ever again. Life is too short to put up with mean people.

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  11. Thank you Elaine... your comment means a lot as I know you would tell it as it is!! I had never thought of blocking them but that doesn't seem a bad idea!! I agree about life being too short....and the other thing is I have had a lot of support over this issue from people like you who have know and interacted with me for some time now... you are the people who matter and as long as you and Jean know the truth I no longer care what anyone else thinks!!

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