the laws of art

[bean]

Hi there, i am starting out in the art world and i was hoping someone with more experience could guide me on a few pointers.

If a customer tells me that they would like a painting of a squirrel, would i need to ask them permission to make prints of it? Same question applies to a customer asking me to paint their pet dog.

I don't want to get into a situation where i make prints of a commission that i painted for a customer, and then that customer contacts me and tries to get me into trouble for making prints without telling them or not getting their consent etc.

Please could i have answers which are backed up with sources/evidence/art laws etc.

Thanks, Bean.

[Veryan66]

The copyright always remains with the artist unless specifically bought by a third party from the artist. In most cases copyright lasts for 70 years after the death of the artist - the only thing I don't know is what to do if you find someone has breached your copyright apart from threaten legal action!

Hope thats a help.

[helennock]

Hi Bean,
Veryann is right. This might help http://blog.artweb.com/?s=copyright