Visual Reference Relationship
How to benefit from references without copying, transforming reference into something new
The five levels
Each anchor describes what separates one level from the next — not a general description of quality. This is the text the evaluator itself reads.
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Level 1 Below Standard
Blatant copying of reference without transformation
Example Copy of image with minor changes
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Level 2 Approaching
Transformation started but reference still obvious
Example Reference easily noticed behind changes
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Level 3 At Standard
Clear transformation of reference into something personal
Example Original reference not easily apparent
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Level 4 Above Standard
Reference disappears into entirely new vision
Example Work appears completely original
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Level 5 Exemplary
Influences completely digested into personal visual language
Example Cannot attribute work to single reference
Where does your own work sit on these levels?
Submit one work to be read against this criterion alone: your position across the five levels, why you are not higher and why not lower, three literal quotes from your own work, and one exercise with its success check. Your first card is free.
Price: 7 SAR · Included in Pro & Artist Plus · First one free — Pricing details
Read my work by this criterionOther criteria in the same art
Ability to convey a psychological state or deep emotion through the work
The five levels →Painter's ability to observe reality and translate it accurately into lines and forms
The five levels →Understanding light source and using shadow to give objects depth and volume
The five levels →Creating sense of depth and third dimension in two-dimensional space
The five levels →Overall work cohesion — every element serves the complete vision
The five levels →Painting narrating a story or expressing a position without words
The five levels →Distributing elements in the work to create visual balance and guide the eye
The five levels →Color selection, harmony, and use to serve subject and mood
The five levels →