Ownership of Computer Art

Computer artwork has become commonplace with the use of draw and paint programs and scanners. The question now becomes, What is considered authorized use of that artwork? For artwork that has been created by altering the original with the use of drawing and image-manipulation art software, there is no question that the original piece belongs to the author, but what about the new image?

If you use graphs, charts, etc., for research documents, even though they are altered, both the new work and the original belongs to the creator, and permission must be obtained to place the work in print legally.