Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Privacy issues and dispaying works of art

Linda Nelson · 11-23-2008, 09:35 PM

I have a client who is saying she doesn't want me to display her painting in any form, as her childrens faces are in it, albeit they are small in scale to the painting. Personally I think she's acting this way because she wants so sort of compensation for the "use" of 'her work'.

What are the rights of a portrait artist to show their work or publish their work, when you have identifiable subjects (somtimes minor children). Do the rights of the artist change if the reference material was taken in a public spot? Do artists have inherent copyright or fair uses priveledges with their work that supercede individual's privacy rights.

I have the Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, but it lacks info on this specific issue. Thanks to anyone for your opinions and guidance. I'd prefer to avoid a lawyer if I can find a legal reference that will be persuasive.

11-23-2008, 09:35 PM	#1
Linda Nelson Juried Member Joined: Sep 2001 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 386	Privacy issues and dispaying works of art I have a client who is saying she doesn't want me to display her painting in any form, as her childrens faces are in it, albeit they are small in scale to the painting. Personally I think she's acting this way because she wants so sort of compensation for the "use" of 'her work'. What are the rights of a portrait artist to show their work or publish their work, when you have identifiable subjects (somtimes minor children). Do the rights of the artist change if the reference material was taken in a public spot? Do artists have inherent copyright or fair uses priveledges with their work that supercede individual's privacy rights. I have the Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, but it lacks info on this specific issue. Thanks to anyone for your opinions and guidance. I'd prefer to avoid a lawyer if I can find a legal reference that will be persuasive.