Artist Reference Material Usage Policy

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Simple Rules for Using Photos and Pictures for All SAL Members Entering the League’s Public Shows

Allowed for Entry in SAL Shows and on SAL Social Media -

Self-Created Materials

  • Artists may freely use photographs, sketches, digital images (AI), or any other source material they have created themselves.

Materials with Explicit Written Permission

  • Artists may use source materials created by another individual only if they have obtained explicit written permission from the original creator. The permission must clearly state that the material may be used as reference or source material for the artist’s work. (Artists may use source material to create works of art for their own keeping or to learn methods or techniques provided the final creation is kept for their own use – these works of art can not be sold or entered in shows.)

Use of Free-to-Use Photos

  • Public domain = very old photos (made before 1929) that anyone can use

  • Creative Commons and Websites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Paint My Photo = photos where the owner has given permission by posting on that website

NOTE:  It is the Artist’s responsibility to read, understand, and comply with a site’s terms and conditions before using an image.  Also, be aware that even though “free” sites say their images are free to use, some photos may include logos or other images that actually violate other copyrights/trademarks.  If in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose a different image. 

What You CANNOT Do

  • Use photos from Google, Pinterest, Instagram, or other apps/platforms without permission

  • Use photos from books, magazines, or other sources without permission

  • Use someone else’s photo without permission and say “but I changed it a lot” — never acceptable

  • Sell or show artwork made from photos you don’t have permission to use

What About Using AI? (Like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or DALL-E)

This is important! Some artists think: “I’ll put a photo into AI and create a new picture, then paint from that new picture. Problem solved!”

This is NOT allowed: The new picture originated from the old picture. This is still a violation of the copyright retained by the original creator.


Simple Rules for AI

  • OK: Use AI with your own photos

  • OK: Use original AI commands to make something completely original

  • NOT OK: Put someone else’s photo into AI that you don’t have express written permission to use, then paint what comes out

  • NOT OK: Ask AI to make something “in the style of” a specific photo you don’t own

Documentation and Record Keeping

  • Artists are responsible for maintaining records of their self-created reference materials and any written permission obtained for the use of third-party materials.

  • Written permission must be retained and made available upon request for verification.

Consequence of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in removal of works from exhibitions or shows, disqualification of sales opportunities, or other disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the organizing body or gallery.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.