Is it Inspiration or Espionage?

by Debra Keirce

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Today’s Article

The following article was written by Debra Keirce, a regular contributing author to The BoldBrush Letter.

Is it Inspiration or Espionage?

Garrit Dou, Astronomer by Candlelight, 8.3” x 12.5”, Oil on panel, circa 1659.

How much have you “borrowed” lately? Have you ever engaged in full-blown artistic espionage?

I’m talking about the high-stakes stuff.

• Entering a gallery opening with the calculated intent of grilling a successful artist on their studio logistics

• Visiting a free demonstration, not to see the artist create, but to have them give you critiques and advice that will catapult your career

• Attending a workshop not to learn, but to collect recipes and formulas you can implement

• Purchasing an artwork with the sole intention of reverse-engineering it

Have you pulled off any of these heists?

Of course you have. We’re all looking for the shortcut, the skeleton key, the hidden map. We’re often taught that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and the fastest way to a successful career. But is that true? Is it more lucrative to be a student or a spy?

I am not a 17th Century Master

In the 1600’s, artists often borrowed from each other. Look and you will see they painted dresses and curtains with the exact same fold patterns. From their subject matter, it appears they all owned the same chandelier, and the same dog.

I personally love the work of Gerrit Dou. The man was a master of moody, low-key interiors and whispering hues. Me? I lean into a bold explosion of color that screams for attention on my easel.

I recently spent weeks forcing myself into Mr. Dou’s world, trying to compose a painting he would approve of. I learned a lot, but I also nearly lost my mind before admitting the truth. I am not a Dou. I adore his work, but trying to inhabit his creative soul was like wearing shoes three sizes too big. You cannot “steal” a style and make it work if it isn’t aligned with who you are.

We aren’t photocopiers. We are unique, chaotic, animated paint splatters. Rarely, in my experience, is a work of art I admire aligned with who I am as an artist. I can learn from those works, and I can copy those works, but I cannot honestly create pieces exactly like the artists themselves would.

When the Spy Becomes the Target

I’ve been on both sides of the canvas. I’ve watched students launch entire series based on a single idea I shared. I’ve had “friends” approach my collectors, gallery owners and curators behind my back, with works they obviously created using mine as inspiration.

But the strangest part? The resentment. I’ve actually angered people by refusing to hand over the secret sauce for free.

I’m happy to answer simple questions, but I won’t give a private workshop outside a teaching venue. Not only is it unfair to my paying students, but I can’t answer complex questions without hours of context. And half the time, I’m still experimenting! If I haven’t worked the bugs out of a technique, I’m not going to hand you a faulty map.

Apparently, “no answer” is an offensive answer. Some people assume I’m sitting on a secret stash of gold and refusing to share. They get snarky. It’s a little creepy, honestly. And in the end, I don’t think it is as valuable to them as they wish.

The Truth About the “Secret Sauce”

Here is my reality. Stealing wholesale rarely works. It’s like copying answers off the person sitting next to you during a driver’s test, only to discover that you are both taking different tests. (No, I never actually did that... Thought about it though!)

Sure, borrow a sales tactic or a composition trick, but if it doesn’t resonate with your soul, it won’t impress your audience. At the end of the day, espionage might give you a quick thrill, but true successes comes from owning your unique journey. Laugh at the flops, celebrate the wins, and remember that the best “secrets” are the ones you discover yourself.

Continue practicing with intention. Work through the torturous learning periods. Keep at it until it feels invigorating and oddly addictive.

What about you? Spill your funniest art spy story in the comments. Let’s turn this into a confessional!

PS — Editor’s Note: Please support artists and help us get more exposure for the artists featured in this newsletter by clicking the “Like” icon ❤️, by clicking the “Restack” icon 🔁, or by leaving a comment. The more engagement we get, the more widely these images get shown. Help us support human artists and push back against the encroachment of AI!

PPS - We’re currently running a spring special for The FASO Way subscribers: save 52% on your first year of a FASO Artist Website. If you’ve been procrastinating creating or moving your website, now is the time. Sign up here.

Debra Keirce
www.DebKArt.com

Join me each month for free updates on this art adventure at
https://debkart.com/email-newsletter

Debra Keirce, Prodigal Summer, 13.25” x 10.75” oil

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We do not use AI images with our writing. We prefer to feature and provide more exposure for human artists. If you know of a great piece of art we should consider, please leave a comment with a link to it. All featured images are properly attributed with backlinks to the artist’s website. You can help support human artists and push back against AI by liking or restacking this piece by clicking the “Like” icon ❤️, by clicking the “Restack” icon 🔁 (or by leaving a comment).