Museums that Allow Copying in wet Media
Please contact us to make additions.
The Americas
CALIFORNIA
"Sketching for individuals with pencil on a small (9” x 12” or smaller) hand-held pad is allowed during public hours in the permanent collection. Sketching in special exhibition galleries is by permission only, subject to lender and gallery restrictions. Please read our sketching, photography, and painting rules/permit application for more information:"
CINCINNATI
Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio
"Sketching and Copying
You are welcome to sketch with dry media. Copyists working with wet media may obtain a free permit at the Visitor Services Desk. Sketching and copying are not permitted of temporary exhibitions, works on loan, works by living artists, or works created after 1978."
COLORADO
The Madden Museum @ Palazzo Verdi
Confirmed in person, waiting on further information.
CONNECTICUT
Allows plein-air painters to work on the museum grounds.
DELAWARE
The Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover, DE
"Sketching is welcome in the galleries with dry media (pencil only). Artist working with wet media must obtain permission."
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The National Gallery of Art, Wasghington
"The National Gallery of Art copyist program has been in operation since the Gallery opened in 1941. A permit issued by the registrar's office is required for copying works of art in oil or any other liquid medium. The Gallery provides permit holders with an easel, stool, and drop cloth; private easels are not allowed. Visitors may sketch with pencils or other dry media in the galleries without a permit.To participate in the copyist program, applicants must meet all requirements outlined in the National Gallery of Art "Rules Governing the Copying of Works of Art" and agree to an interview and a security background check; they must acknowledge in writing their acceptance of the rules. For more information on the copyist program, please e-mail your name and mailing address to copyist@nga.gov. A packet of materials will be mailed to you within seven business days.The issue of a copyist permit does not in any way constitute the endorsement by the National Gallery of Art of a copyist's work."
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The National Portrait Gallery,Washington, DC, USA
PERMIT FOR COPYING
Permits for copying are a privilege and are issued by the Curatorial Department associated with the medium to be copied; this will most often be the Department of Painting and Sculpture. Only works of art owned by the National Portrait Gallery may be copied. Only works from the permanent collection that are currently on view may be copied. No works by living artists or depicting living subjects may be copied, and other twentieth-century portraits may not be available for copying due to copyright and personality rights restrictions.
Due to the numbers of visitors in the museum, no copying is allowed in America’s Presidents or in the corridors.
Copying with dry media such as pencil, chalk or pastel, does not require a permit unless an easel is used.
Permits are required for copying in oil or other liquid media, and/or if the copyist plans to use an easel. The permit is obtained from the Curator of Painting and Sculpture at least ten days in advance, and is valid for thirty (30) calendar days from date of issue. The copyist will submit a detailed schedule to the Office of the Registrar after receiving a permit. A new permit must be obtained for each work of art to be copied (see downloadable permit form at right). Only one work may be copied at a time.
WHEN:
Copying is permitted in the National Portrait Gallery on weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copying is not permitted on the weekends. No copyist or other person may offer any painting for sale on the premises of the gallery, or solicit commissions of employment to copy paintings while on the premises.
PRE-REQUISITES FOR COPYING IN OIL OR OTHER LIQUID MEDIUM:
A person applying for the first time to copy a work of art, in oil or other liquid medium, must present the following items to the Curator’s office:
1. Two letters of reference regarding artistic proficiency.
2.Digital jpegs of his or her work
3. Suitable identification, such as a driver’s license
4. Persons who are registered as qualified copyists at the National Gallery of Art need only produce the copyist’s permit from that institution.
5. The copyist must provide an easel, stool and drop cloth. It is not possible to store this equipment, or the copy, overnight, or for an extended period during the day. The permit will serve as a property pass to be shown to guards for removal of property.
6.The copies must be at least two inches smaller or larger than the original painting, in both dimensions (height and width). No copy may exceed 40 inches in either dimension.
7.A weekly schedule must be established and approved by the Registrar’s office at least seven days in advance of the starting date.
PAINTING PROCEDURES:
1.Easels must be placed no closer than 4 feet from the painting to be copied.
2. Precautions must be taken to ensure that all materials are handled in a safe manner so as to protect the works of art, furniture, floors, carpets, and walls.
3.Spray fixatives may not be used anywhere within the galleries where there are works of art.
4.Only one copyist at a time is permitted to work in any gallery.
5.Please notify the registrar’s office if the copyist will not be working on any of the reserved days. Registrar will periodically check on copyist while on premises to see that the procedures are being followed.
6.When the copy is finished, the Registrar’s office and the Curator’s office must be informed. A representative from one of these offices will inspect the copy and clear the permit for removal of the copy from the building The copy must be clearly marked on the canvas as a copy.
The National Portrait Gallery reserves the right to cancel or refuse to issue a permit to copy a work of art for violation of any of the above rules or for any other reason.
FLORIDA
Museum of Fine Art St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
"Sketching is welcome in the galleries with dry media (pencil only). Copyists working with wet media must obtain permission. While sketching, please do not hinder visitor traffic flow in the galleries.
During periods of high attendance, the Museum reserves the right to make any necessary adjustments to this sketching policy."
INDIANA
Richmond Art Museum
Policy & Permit
MARYLAND
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
"Copying in the Galleries
The Walters Art Museum welcomes artists and students of art to use its collections for study, inspiration, and enjoyment. Sketching with pencils, charcoal and pastels is permitted without prior approval unless they wish to use an easel. Artists who wish to paint must apply to the museum two (2) weeks in advance. They must read the Walters Policy for Copying in the Galleries and sign and return the Acceptance of Conditions form. Please also review our more detailed guidance on sketching and painting."
MASSACHUSETTS
MFA Boston
"A permit is required to use oils or acrylics, and/or to use an easel in the Museum. Only paintings owned by the MFA may be copied.
Permits may be obtained by appointment only by contacting the Museum at 617-369-3484 (Art of the Europe) or 617-369-3507 (Art of the Americas)."
Call 617-369-348
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis Institute of The Arts
"May I copy my favorite painting?
To make such a request, please complete the following form and send it to the Paintings Department by email (paintingsrequest@artsmia.org), mail or drop it off in person. Our mailing address is: Department of Paintings, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
If you have any questions, please call (612) 870-3111 during regular work hours or ask one of our helpful museum guards. Staff at the Security Desk or Visitor Service Desks will also be happy to assist you."
Policies
Permit/Request to Copy
MISSOURI
It's not shown on their website but they do allow copying in wet media and sketching anytime so just email them for the permission form. Prepare your visit two months in advance and go through the Public Programs and Education department.
NEW YORK
"Are visitors allowed to paint in the museum?
Visitors who wish to copy a work of art must apply for a permit issued by the Brooklyn Museum, which is valid for one month and may be renewed. Copying is restricted to works in the permanent collections and is allowed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. only. The copyist must indicate specific dates and times on his or her permit application. The Museum reserves the right to refuse a permit and to revoke such permits at any time. Permits will only be issued upon receipt and approval of the copyist’s application.
All copies must be made on a scale that differs from the original by at least 20% in both height and width. Copies must be stamped by the appropriate curator upon completion. Objects on loan to the Museum may not be copied without the written permission of the owners. The Tissot watercolors may not be copied. Works by living artists may not be copied without their written permission.
Copies cannot be stored in the building. Copyists must bring all appropriate equipment, such as drop-cloth, easel, and paints. All paints, oils, rags, and set-up materials must be removed from the building at the close of each day.
Self-guided groups are not allowed to copy art with wet media.
Certain rules govern the use of art materials by staff-supervised groups in the Brooklyn Museum’s permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Please call the Education Division at (718) 501-6230 for more information."
Call (718) 501-6230
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Sketching, in pencil only, is permitted in all the permanent collection galleries of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sketching is also permitted in most special exhibitions; please inquire at the Information Desk in the Great Hall about current exhibitions and guidelines.
The use of ballpoint pens, ink, markers, fountain pens, or watercolors is not permitted at any time. Crayon, pastel, and charcoal are permitted only on Museum-supervised tours that specifically authorize their use.
While sketching, please do not hinder visitor traffic flow in the galleries.
During periods of high attendance, the Museum reserves the right to make any necessary adjustments to this sketching policy.
OHIO
Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
"Sketching and Copying
You are welcome to sketch with dry media. Copyists working with wet media may obtain a free permit at the Visitor Services Desk. Sketching and copying are not permitted of temporary exhibitions, works on loan, works by living artists, or works created after 1978."
RHODE ISLAND
RISD Museum, Providence, RI, USA
Sketching in the Galleries
Pencils only in the galleries; markers and pens are not permitted. RISD students interested in copying works in wet media should consult these guidelines.
TENNESSEE
Memphis Brooks Museum of Fine Art
"Are visitors allowed to paint in the Museum?
Visitors who wish to copy a work of art must apply for a permit issued by the Brooks Museum. Copying is restricted to works in the permanent collection.
All copies must be made on a scale that differs from the original by at least 20% in both height and width. Copies must be stamped by the appropriate curator upon completion. Objects on loan to the Museum may not be copied without the written permission of the owners. Works by living artists may not be copied without their written permission.
Certain rules govern the use of art materials by staff-supervised groups in the Brooks Museum’s permanent collection galleries and special exhibitions. Please call the Education Department at 901.544.6215 for more information. "
Call (901) 544-6215
VIRGINIA
"Individual artists, classes, or groups of up to 50 people are welcome to sketch in our permanent collection galleries only. Sketching is not allowed in special, temporary, or loan exhibitions. Use pencils only, on drawing boards and pads no larger than 18"x24". Gallery stools are available free of charge. Special permission required for painting. Please phone 804.340.1419 for more information and to schedule a time. Reservations must be made at least three weeks ahead."
Call (804) 340-1419
Asia, Australia, Europe, Russia
AUSTRALIA
The National Gallery of Victoria, Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria encourages artists and students to make full use of the permanent collection, and encourages the practice of sketching and note-taking in all permanent collection galleries.The following conditions apply:
• pencils rather than pens must be used
• no spray fixatives and/or varnishes may be used
• easels and paints are permitted with written permission in advance; sketchbooks or paper must not be larger than an A3 sheet (42.0 x 29.7 cm).
• when sketching or note-taking in the permanent gallery spaces sketchers should take care not to obscure works on display from other visitors, school tours and other tour groups and be mindful of congestion within the gallery.
DENMARK
Skagen Museum has very limited space for artists to copy but an amazing collection. Requests to copy are handled on a case by case basis but if you're very lucky you may get to copy in Kroyer's old studio!
FRANCE
"Freehand pencil sketches, not exceeding 30 x 60 cm, are allowed in the museum. However, for groups, previous authorisation must be requested when the booking is made."
"Copying museum works of art, by professional or amateur copyists, or by art school students, requires an individual authorisation. This is issued to one named person, and for a single work. The request must be submitted at least one month before the required date of entry to the museum. The permission is valid for three months, and may not be extended. One person may not apply for several authorisations at the same time for the reproduction of different works. Only the copying of paintings currently on exhibition may be authorised. The works can not, in any circumstances, be moved.
Those authorised are required to conform to the current regulations and to any particular instructions given, in reference to working hours and days, the protection of works being copied, general care and to possible copyright issues."
SPAIN
Museu Nacional d'Arte de Catalunya, Barcelona
"To draw using any technique except with a pencil, but always remaining two metres away from the works. In order to use other drawing or painting techniques, express authorization must be requested.In order to enter the rooms as a copyist, express authorization must be requested from the corresponding department."
Information pending
THE NETHERLANDS
From the general terms and conditions for visitors
"i. shall not draw or paint without the prior written consent of the Rijksmuseum. Visitors should apply for such permission at the information desk.
UNITED KINGDOM
"Thank you for contacting us ahead of your visit. Please see the excerpt from the British Museum regulations regarding the Sketching and the use of art materials onsite. Painting is not permitted without the express permission of the relevant Keeper of the gallery in which it is to be used to limit the risk of damage from spillages.
Sketching with pencil or crayon is permitted in the exhibition galleries. The use of Indian ink is prohibited; other wet materials (water colours, oils, pen and ink other than Indian ink), modelling clay etc may only be used if permission is obtained in advance in writing from the Keeper of the Department concerned.
The use of wet materials is prohibited in carpeted
galleries."
The National Gallery, London, UK
"Guidelines
Sketching is not allowed in exhibitions
Use a hand-held pad of paper, pencil, graphite stick or felt-tipped pensAvoid materials such as pastels, wax crayons, charcoal and fountain pens
Copyists If you wish to use paint, or other oil/water-based media, request an application form from: information@ng-london.org.uk"
SCOTLAND
"The use of oil paint, wax crayons, fountain pens, felt-tipped pens and watercolours (wet media) may be permitted within gallery spaces, but advance permission is required from the Gallery Director and use must be supervised by a member of NGS staff.
If a visitor wishes to use oil paint, wax crayons, fountain pens, felt-tipped pens or watercolours, permission may be obtained in advance by contacting the Gallery Director:
Michael Clarke, Director of the Scottish National Gallery, nginfo@nationalgalleries.org".
"Gallery directors will undertake an assessment of risk in making the decision to allow the use of wet media. This will be dependent on the area within the galleries in which the activity is to take place and the level of activity expected on the day in question."
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
"The use of oil paint, wax crayons, fountain pens, felt-tipped pens and watercolours (wet media) may be permitted within gallery spaces, but advance permission is required from the Gallery Director and use must be supervised by a member of NGS staff.
If a visitor wishes to use oil paint, wax crayons, fountain pens, felt-tipped pens or watercolours, permission may be obtained in advance by contacting the Gallery Director:
Christopher Baker, Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, pginfo@nationalgalleries.org"
"Gallery directors will undertake an assessment of risk in making the decision to allow the use of wet media. This will be dependent on the area within the galleries in which the activity is to take place and the level of activity expected on the day in question."