Are you addicted to drawing sites? I know I am!

Recently, I joined a site called "Stumbleupon". Once you join, you get a Stumble button on your Toolbar and you click it to get transported to random sites. Of course, I chose Art sites only!

I have had a great time stumbling into all these different artistic places.

However, I was really surprised when I stumbled onto a technique that is being used to produce painted pictures.

The artist simply has to enlarge a photo, trace it, and copy that tracing to canvas. Then, they paint it. Apparently, this is being done to save time when an artist has a few orders to fulfill.

I used to be impressed by how realistic some paintings are. I feel differently now that I'm aware they are probably traced.

I feel sad that this technique is being used. I know I'll be looking for imperfections and some wonky lines before I admire the next painting!

Surely these artists would feel unsatisfied when they viewed their work? They've gone to all the trouble to mix colors and apply them. Yes, that's a skill in itself, but what happened to their originality? The two should go hand in hand.

It really doesn't matter how long it takes to produce any type of artwork. The end result is usually spectacular when the artist applies his/her heart and soul. That's where the attraction is.

I'm not in a position to judge the artists who do this, if they are satisfied then so be it. It's just sad, that's all.

Most of us use tracing to help us learn, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed to do that. We simply need to remember that the reward is in what we can eventually produce from within.