Blog Post #9 -“Is That Cheating?”: Why Using Art Tools Doesn’t Make You Any Less of an Artist.

Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot in our classes and events, especially with newer artists: “am I cheating if I trace this?”, “can I use a projector?”, or “is it okay to transfer this image?”. The short answer is yes to all but please keep reading for a

longer answer. In art, we’re taught to celebrate creativity, skill, and expression. But sometimes, artists (especially beginners) feel a little guilty using tools like tracing paper, light tables, or projectors. Somewhere along the way, the idea spread that real artists draw everything freehand. That’s simply not true. Professional artists across all mediums, from animators and illustrators to muralists and painters, use a variety of tools to bring their vision to life. These tools aren’t shortcuts. They’re just part of the process.

Let’s Break Down Some Common “Cheating” Myths:

• Using tracing paper to get proportions right or to learn how to draw a subject more accurately is not cheating, it’s practicing. Tracing helps build muscle memory and confidence. Many artists trace to understand form and then work from memory or reference later.

• Using the grid method or transfer paper is a classic technique used by old masters. Leonardo da Vinci and Vermeer had their own early versions of image transfer tools. It’s a precise way to scale or replicate an image, especially for murals or large paintings.

• Want to sketch a pet portrait or match a composition exactly? Light tables and projectors are incredibly helpful. They let you focus your energy on painting, color, and detail, not on redrawing the same outlines over and over.

• Copying famous artworks or photo references is a time-honored way to learn. It only becomes an issue if you're claiming the final piece as fully original or selling it without crediting the source. Otherwise, copying is how we grow. Every artist starts by studying those who came before them.

• Using color guides, references, or pre-made palettes can speed up your workflow and help you stay consistent. These tools help you learn color theory in action and make decisions with more confidence.
  

At Oakwood Art Studio, we celebrate all the ways you learn. Whether you’re a beginner using tracing paper at a paint-and-sip night, or you’re developing your own style using a projector to lay out your canvas. Our classes and events are designed to encourage experimentation, joy, and skill-building, not judgment. So, the next time you hear someone say, “but isn’t that cheating?”, smile, pick up your favorite tool, and keep creating.

Want to try some of these tools in a guided class? Please check out our upcoming events and workshops at oakwoodartstudio.com or follow us on Facebook for the latest.  Also, please post a comment or question to continue the conversation.

Peter and Debbie Scott