Permission to Paint: Why it's ok to Borrow Art Ideas (And why You should)!

It's ok to borrow.

As a beginner, you may have felt this question: "Am I allowed to paint something I saw someone else do?"

Let me gently reassure you: yes, you absolutely can. In fact, not only is it ok, it's one of the most natural and important ways to grow as an artist.

Every Artist Starts Here

No artist begins with a fully developed, unique style. Every painter you admire once stood exactly where you are now--learning brush control, experimenting with color, and yes...imitating work that inspired them.

When you recreate a painting or borrow an idea, you are doing something incredibly valuable:

Training your eye to see color and shape

Learning how layers work

Understanding composition

Practicing techniques in a hands-on way

Think of it as learning a language. Before you write your own story, you first learn words, then sentences...often repeating what others have said.

"Finding our creative strengths is an essential part of becoming who we really are. We don't know who we are until we know what we can do." Ken Robinson, The Element.

Of course, you should never copy a work of art exactly and try to pass it on as your own. There are copyright laws, etc., not to mention that is morally wrong. And stay away from images and icons that belong to corporations, like Disney, for example.

That being said, I'm referring to being inspired by things, photos, or even artwork by others, and using it as a springboard to develop your own unique style.

Inspiration Is Everywhere

Sometimes inspiration doesn't even come from another painting. It can come from the most ordinary places: a beautiful floral pattern on a kitchen towel, a calendar image that catches your eye, a piece of wrapping paper, fabric, or even a greeting card. Note the picture above: I saw this greeting card in the dollar store, loved everything about it, bought it, took it home and created my own painting from it. (and I don't have a great granddaughter! I just liked the card.)

Don't hesitate to take a photo, save it, and sketch it out. These little moments of inspiration are gifts--they spark creativity and help you discover what you are drawn to.

Here's the key: copying or borrowing ideas is not where you stay--it's where you begin. As you paint more and more, something wonderful starts to happen. Without even trying, you begin to:

Change colors to ones you love

Simplify or add details

Adjust compositions

Add your own emotional touch

Little by little, your personality starts emerging on the canvas. What once looked like someone else's idea slowly becomes something uniquely yours.

Let Go of the Fear

Sometimes beginners hold back because they worry about doing something "wrong" or not being original enough. But growth doesn't happen in hesitation, it happens in doing. Give yourself permission to learn freely. Paint that piece you love. Try that style you admire. You are not taking away from another artist--you are building something within yourself.

Another Perspective

There is also something deeper happening in this process. God is the ultimate Creator. Because He created us in His image, He gave each of us with the ability to create as well. When you feel drawn to certain flowers, colors, or designs, that isn't random, it's part of how you were uniquely made. Even when you begin following someone else's idea, God is still shaping you--your preferences, your style, your voice.

"He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6

Your artistic journey is no different. What starts as imitation becomes transformation.

So the next time you feel inspired by a painting, a pattern, a vase, etc., go ahead and take a picture of it and paint it. Don't overthink it. Don't hold back. You are learning. You are growing.

And most importantly, you are becoming the artist you were created to be. And that...is a beautiful process to trust.

From my easel to yours, God bless!

Vicky