[supercat]

The trained and skilled artist can differentiate between a painting done with the eye only and one where a photograph was used to assist.

Given that the best artists use real models when possible, how does that fit in with your theory?

[muawiyah]

There are bad artists who use "real models" too. The issue is the degree of detail found in what are known as "realism".

Since the human eye cannot, unaided, see that detail and its interactions with other detail (gradations and shades) unassisted, it's really more like photography than naturalistic drawing and painting.

If you prefer that sort of thing, fine. Just don't call it "art".