I'm a graphic designer and wondering if using a picture of a painting or...

[art101]

...sculpture copyright infringement? For example. If i find a picture of a famous painting or sculpture on the internet, can i use it for a brochure or flyer? What can I use and can not use for such purposes? Are the actual pictures of the artwork(s) under copyright laws as well as the art itself? What about public domain picture of artwork? What if i take the picture of the artwork(s) myself. Can I use it as i please?

Thanks

[Triple Threat]

Yes it is infringement. You need permission from the owner - whether its a gallery owner or a private collector. Even if you take the image yourself, without proper permission, your breaking the copyright. Always best to find the source of the image and get permission. There are some stock image resources out there for famous artwork. If you go over to the GDF (linked below) there will be many people who can give you some links and suggestions on where to get that.

I always like inviting designers over to this design forum:

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com its a WONDERFUL group of designers and we all talk about issues like this, and help each other in many ways - including critiques. Hope to see you over there!

There are even some well-known designers in our industry on there. So if you want to learn and keep up with the best pro industry standards, come on by!