Hi, everyone,

I just wanted to thank you for the legal response. Drawing is my hobby only (me doing Ph.D in chemistry here in US). I don't have any intentions of selling or even seeking a gallery representation. It was unfortunate that I couldn't get any artistic critiques. Anyway in my future artwork I will use the legal advice given.

OK, so here is my artistic critique that I neglected to mention in my earlier post. When you look at a photograph, the shadows will appear to be much darker than they are in reality. In any drawing or painting based on a photograph, you must compensate for this be making your shadows lighter.

I believe that this photographic distortion is why most people will recommend that you paint and draw from life. However, I do not believe that "life" is necessary and think that you can use a photo reference if you understand how to read it correctly.