The legal problems of the visual artist are considered; the term "visual artist" here means any creator of a work of painting, drawing, graphic art, sculpture or commercial art. The legal questions considered include copyright; the relationship between artists, galleries, publishers, and museums; studio sales; and commissioned works. A discussion of the tax problems of the artist includes ways to treat deductions for income tax purposes and to plan estates. Laws concerning flag desecration, obscenity, the rights of privacy and fair comment which affect the content and structure of art works are spelled out. Some miscellaneous legislation in the field is also discussed, and organizations providing legal assistance to the artist are listed. (JY)