To fake or not to fake, that is the question?

WARNING: If you are an amateur paint over artist, (Note I said amateur - if you are professional digital retouching artist who earns lots of money out of doing this stuff for a living properly, then I'll admit I am just jealous!) But to the rest, and those easily offended YOU MAY NOT WANT TO CONTINUE READING!


I deliberated lots over posting this. And given my usually placid nature regarding such matters, there will no doubt be a few who will gasp in horror at its content. But, of late, I admit I am quite astonished, if not somewhat offended by the amount of attention that is given to what is often deemed as Paint over Art. For whatever reason, it not only fools the viewer into thinking the artist is an amazing painter but also seems to get a ridiculous amount of praise and hundreds of views a day!

Now, firstly I should say...I am not disillusioned or living in the dark ages. In fact, I am the first person on the planet to embrace most forms of digital art. There are no rules and regulations. No one has written a rule book or created a bible telling you how to create your art. And I, as much as the next person, do often use the odd texture, the odd filter finish, colouring etc... And, yes there are many a good number of reasons some artists use photos directly in their work. Though, as I commented right at the beginning of this piece, these people are getting paid a decent amount of money for doing so by big corporate companies!  

So, my objection is largely about dishonesty. And in so many words, trying to convince folks you are something you are not!

Cue the Fake Portrait Artist...

People painting people, mainly celebs is nothing new. Folks have done it for years. But digital painting has, unfortunately, created a new breed of artist, especially in the amateur/hobby sector. And this is where we get the great divide between what's deemed clever and what's deemed downright bloody lazy! The worst kind IMO is the one-button fake technique artist, that will try to convince you they have painted a marvellous watercolour of their favourite pop star - YET...last week, they could barely draw a straight line!

So, have we just become a nation good at faking things?

So what I hear you cry? Women have faked orgasms for years! True, but much like good sex, painting a portrait, for me, is about painting with a clear conscience and an honest hand. It also equals greater satisfaction. And if done well, can lead to bigger things, (no sexual puns intended!) But surely, if you're serious about your work, then this should be a no-brainer?

However. If you are a dabbler, not too fussed HOW you create your work, or to what ends you go to do it, then perhaps you seem destined to only end up doing this kind of stuff either for nothing or just to make new friends with a few kids in fan communities. Sorry, that's blunt, but much like how it is.