They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. So why do people get so bent out of shape about tracing?

How dare you, Sir. HOW DARE YOU. Just because my child is an exceptionally adept sketch pencil and watercolor cake artist, that doesn't mean that she TRACES. Tracing is to art what Toaster Strudels are to PopTarts. They're a bad imitation and … well maybe that's not the best analogy but either way, they totally suck and so does cheating. AND MY CHILD IS NO CHEATER.

Now, I will admit that there are some astonishing similarities between her oil pastel portrait and the Mona Lisa. But then again, there are some astonishing similarities between her Aunt Shirley and Ms. Lisa. Ugliest woman alive. But great technique for a six-year-old nonetheless, don't you think?

And you can say what you want about her acrylic work of these pretty flowers floating in a pond, but your accusation that she ripped off Monet's Water Lilies is just absurd. But that's the thing about Impressionism. Up close it all looks very similar, but the real beauty comes from viewing it far away. Go ahead, stand back a little and take another look. A little farther. Still a little farther. No, just keep on going until I say stop. Keep going. Keeeeep going …

THE JIG IS UP, KID! RUN FOR IT!

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