Is drawing from photos art?

Question from Alex

Is it true that copying from a photo to the very exact small details is not considered art.

Please correct me if I am wrong in understanding this, as I have been so accustomed (since childhood) to the idea that art is drawing something to its exact likeness. Now that I am older, I honestly find copying to the exact details I see to be too tedious and boring.

Thank you,
Alex

[tweetthis hidden_urls=”pic.twitter.com/Eq8QMNIUbN”]Drawing from photos is too tedious[/tweetthis]

Hi Alex,

Many thanks for your question.

You might find this video interesting – Why Drawing from Photos is Treacherous.

Making carbon-copies of photos is a ‘human photocopier’ job.

However, when it comes to drawing from life, you interpret the world around you through your own vision and understanding of it. In this way, you create your own picture of reality. The level of detail is up to you.

Kind regards,
Natalie Richy and Vladimir London
Drawing Academy tutors