<p>Hi,
I just finished packing up my AP Art portfolio. I used a reference picture (digital photography) from another artist and I asked for his permission. It looks similar. It is a cityscape picture. However, mine is in a different medium and I moved around the towers, added and subtracted lighting...</p>
<p>How similar is TOO similar?</p>
<p>I know people who have gotten 5s and turned in artwork based on Gucci ads and famous photographs of Angelina Jolie.</p>
<p>I'm worried, but most assure me that I have nothing to be worried about! I haven't told my art teacher because she only allows us to work off reference pictures from people we have met face to face...</p>
<p>I asked to use it as a reference for perspective.</p>
<p>I guess I did not make it clear that it would be for the AP. Now I feel like omission = lying. and... arghhh is it too late??</p>
<p>The idea is like Atlantis underwater and you are looking up towards the surface of the water. I didn't expect to make it so similar but the perspective is the same, and since it's underwater, it is also VERY blue.</p>
<p>Ahhhh! The more I try to defend/rationalize it, the more I feel that it SHOULDN'T be in my portfolio.</p>
<p>Since it IS allowed to use other artists' works as refs, I thought it'd be okay.</p>
<p>Also, I do believe I manipulated the formal qualities such as value, line, color. I have a very particular style of oil painting, directly applying the paint to the canvas from the tube.</p>
<p>However, the concept is so similar!! They are both from the same perspective and both describe Atlantis-like underwater cosmopolitans.</p>
<p>One tip, try not to give too much detail ;)</p>
<p>I guess you're okay since that rule only strikes down duplication, including in another medium. Despite the similar concept, it's how you developed it and what differences there are that counts.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am not savvy on CB's AP SA rules.</p>
<p>Hmmm I am emailing my art teacher about it! I've been known to be neurotic, too... So I don't know if it's just ME freaking myself out!</p>
<p>I have a question for any lurkers (and there are quite a few of you):
How many of you have used reference pictures that you did not photograph by yourself? This includes pictures you find on online portfolios, obscure artists from obscure countries, magazine clippings, ads, etc.</p>
<p>My art teacher said that the artwork you generate from photographs has to be 2/3 yours. It sounds okay for you because the way you described your manipulation seems like it is significant enough. If the medium/technique is drastically different, that's good. When you say that you moved things around, it's probably enough.</p>
<p>This has become a real problem for AP Art people and I heard that the College Board is cracking down on it more, but you seem fine. best of luck.</p>