How can one repent from drawing animate beings, what is the ruling on selling old paintings, and what is permissible to draw in light of studying design and the need to draw living creatures?

The questioner is commended for her interest in the rulings of religion, and Allah is thanked for her guidance. Drawing living beings is forbidden in Islamic law, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the people who will receive the severest punishment from Allah on the Day of Resurrection are the painters (or makers of images)." Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on drawing a head without a body; some believe that the reprehensibility is removed by severing the head, while others maintain its prohibition. If there is a need to draw a face for study purposes, it should be done only to the extent of that necessity. As for old paintings that contain drawings of living beings, it is not permissible to sell them; rather, the images within them must be obliterated. The questioner is advised to avoid specializations that involve Islamic prohibitions.