Thoughts about Copies or "Fake Art"

I was just looking through my Facebook stuff and there was a message from ArtHash soliciting comments about "Fake Art". Interesting topic, I'm not sure whether the author defined clearly what "Fake Art" is and what it implies. I do know though, that in college in the 70's as an art student, I was NEVER instructed to copy a famous painting in any style, way or fashion. My art teacher in high school also strictly forbade copying of any kind. It wasn't until I was taking a class years later in Monterey, that my instructor made us copy drawings in order to learn the technique and approach of a famous artist. I chose Michelangelo. And yes, I did learn something.And no, I would never attempt to sell any copies of any kind to anyone. It was strictly an exercise, nothing more.
Unlike some artists that I know, I believe that you are learning and becoming better and wiser and your work grows as long as you continue to push yourself, not to perfection as this is impossible-but just to create better work. Self-editing and critique are imperative. I look at stuff that I created years ago and can only laugh. Only occasionally do I look at my work and feel satisfaction.
Copying famous work, or not so famous work, does have a learning purpose and I am all for that. Whether or not there is a market for it and or whether it should be sold is another question altogether. I do know that people buy what they like and I am always astounded sometimes at what finds its way into the marketplace and into homes and collections. I also know that the world is a very large place with plenty of room for all kinds of art and that I can only do my own thing, set my own standards and mind my own little pea-patch.

Summer Has Arrived by Boat

I suppose that summer is here now that the pools have officially opened and only 3 weeks of school are left. I drew this today for a show featured at Riverview Gallery opening next Friday that is all about sailing and boating. The picture was taken when we were in Cinque Terra in Italy and had gone to Portofino for the afternoon. So beautiful there and one of my favorite places in Europe.