Michael, thank you for the great advice. I did know about Stock Art and you are absolutely right: better to pay up front, than deal with legal issues. In this case I am dealing with a ripped out page, which I had stored away in a file cabinet without giving any thought to make notations where it came from.
In the meanwhile, I have contacted National Geographic to see if they can find the photographer. I am really interested to see what the cost will be to use this man in the manner I have painted him and I will make sure to share that info with you all. By the way there is a great section for Artists who would like to use N.G.'s stock images under:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ph...les/index.html
Who was it who said planning is essential in a previous thread? How well put. Just think, this is a piece I am doing for my own enjoyment. Just imagine if someone would want to purchase it after seeing it on my web site. Wouldn't I be hosed at that point!
p.s. For those who want to read through copyright laws visit:
http://www.loc.gov/copyright/