Thanks for chiming in @barbarabezina. I actually did update the rule a few moments after a wrote it with the exception being unless you took/own the photos.

For example, I've purchased some professionally shot reference packs and if I painted from those of course it wouldn't make sense for me to put someone's for profit product online where people can access it for free. Also if you took your pictures yourself it's a similar situation and unnecessary.

It's really just for when people use random reference found online(like me, lol) that they don't own.

I agree with you on your perspective about art. Although it's not something I ever bother talking about you'd probably understand that I don't really see myself as much of an artist. I'm a painter, I'm a 3D generalist, I'm a motion designer and concept designer, but when it comes to art as you describe it, which is what I also consider art, I'm pretty much a novice.

Really glad you're enjoying the community, and I'm really thankful to have you contributing there :)