Questions about Art & Artists

Can I use these Images? for website, church, projects, etc

Is it Public Domain, Fair Use or Copyrighted??

How do I find out who the Copyright Holder is?

Do You offer the Images in a Digital format?

How can I contact the Artist? new work, use images

Where else can I find images to use?

Which of your images are "Public Domain"?

My favorite Art was here on my last visit.. now gone?

Return to Our Help Main Page

Can I Use these Images?

Want image with link to us for your website? Choices Here. Thank You!

Also Dont Miss Our New Digital Art/Powerpoint Image Packs Here

You CAN'T USE an image in any way, non-profit or not, unless it is "Public Domain", falls under "Fair Use" rules or you have the copyright holder's permission such as our powerpoint ONLY offerings above. Do not assume the copyright belongs to the artist. If an individual or a company commissioned the work, then they often buy the copyright as well. Even if the artist does hold copyright, they often must grant "exclusive use" to publishers in return for being published and can't give you permissions if they wanted to. Or if the artist is long deceased, most copyrights are still in effect or have been re-claimed.

I am not here to police the issue, just letting you know. A lot of folks think that as long as their intent is for personal purposes or any non-profit use, that it is ok. Others think as long as they buy one copy, they can scan and do anything with it? But neither is true! I get all kinds of questions here and am certainly not a lawyer or keep up with copyright law. I only have dealer permissions to display these images.

I heard that it was ok to show an image on your website of art that you actually own. So if you bought/already own a legally printed copy of the artwork, you would be ok to show it. I don't know if this is true, but it makes sense. Please read below & the next 2 questions for more info.

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Public Domain, Fair Use or Copyrighted?

Breaking copyright laws is serious business although many internet sites make it seem otherwise. Our advice is that if you don't take the time to research to be certain your use is ok or to get the proper permissions, then don't use it! These links will help you know-

1) Is the image "Public Domain" and so free to use? See here

2) Could your use qualify as "Fair Use"? Take the test Here

3) We do have images to buy for Powerpoint use ONLY Here

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How do I find the Copyright Holder?

Look for info printed on the bottom or back of a legal print, on the internet or visit Copyright.gov for works licensed in USA. Know old records are disorganized, but they are working on a new system. Just because you can't find it doesn't mean its ok to use (our top seller is very strictly copyrighted but not listed there). Pay the research fee for best contact info. Note: Registering is often not required for copyrights to still be in force. You can also visit our Downloads page for some popular artists/owners contact info.

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Offer the Images in a Digital format?

Only these Here for Powerpoint use. On all our other 300 images, the answer is sadly no due to copyrights. My permissions only allow me to sell art prints. If larger size printings (or single use permissions to do so) are available, you will find a note under the image's choices with a link to email me about possibilities. Know that even when the artist holds the copyright, they often must grant "exclusive use" to publishers in return for being published and cant give you permissions if they wanted to. You could try searching the internet for "Digital Art" but surprisingly, I have found very little available.

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How can I contact Artists/New Work?

Realize that due to the internet, most popular artists are overwhelmed with requests and can't keep up. Most do not have personal websites or make their email addresses public. The contacts I have are for dealer use and I must respect that. Please research copyrights (above) or the internet for public contact information. If they want to be found they will have a website. You can also visit our Downloads page for some popular artists/owners contact info.

If you are looking to get a new image done, I only know of 2 artists that I represent who are currently taking on additional projects. Tell them I sent you! You can view their info and artwork here-

Bill Hrudka Stephen Sawyer

You should also check with the art department of a nearby college, high school or local art galleries for "portrait" artists in your area as there are always many around.

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Where else can I find images to use?

A nice picture to link to our gallery? Click Here for Choices. Thanks!

Search the internet for "church resources", "clip art", "digital art" etc. Also see our links page for many great websites full of this type of information. Watch out for sites where folks upload pics as I have seen copyrighted images wrongly shown there. Again always get legal advice, especially if your use involves sales or public viewing or distribution.

p.s. 2 sites (often with us in top 3) on Google when searching for "Pictures of Jesus" are illegally showing/offering copyrighted images. Beware!

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Which Images here are Public Domain?

Our mission is to provide quality art prints of these loved images for you. We truly do not know all the ins and outs of Public Domain rules and so don't get involved. Use search engines to find if the artist died before 1924 or for public domain info sites. And AGAIN, always get legal advice!

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Art was here.. now Gone?

Sadly, the availability of these loved images can change very quickly. We try to keep our webpages as updated as possible. We have learned that if an image moves you, you better get it when you can as it may not be here later. We lose about 5 images "out of print" every quarter and cry over every one ( I lost 8 in one day last Oct). PLEASE consider emailing us to be put on a list to be notified where to email a supplier to complain when we learn of more artworks of Christ being in danger of disappearing.