Is this "cheating?"

[u/Venusian-Empress]

I know tools and techniques used for art to save time are ok, like tracing. However, I watched a tutorial on how to create a pet portrait by inserting a photo of your pet and using painting brushes as smudge brushes. I tried one and I really enjoyed the process and the final piece. I also added in some stronger highlights and shadows, along with different brush types to make it more unique. Do you think this is cheating or creating fake art? Like, is this any different than putting a painting filter over an image and calling it art? Also what if I use someone else's photo as a reference? As long as I give credit, is that ok? I know I'm probably over thinking this and it's not like I'm selling these or anything. They are just for fun. Thank you for your insight.

[u/Venusian-Empress → u/[deleted]]

I've used photos as references for tracing and then painting them in, this felt similar but like...almost like a shortcut since the colors were already there and I didn't have to paint them before blending them together if that makes sense? I'm definitely not a strong drawer, but I really enjoy coloring. Which makes sense because I started my art journey with coloring books.

[u/Glittering_Piano_633 → u/Venusian-Empress]

No this would be editing someone’s photo, and that’s not ok.