It has come to my attention that a painter who lives in another state has a painting that he has exhibited that looks to me like an almost direct copy of one of my photographs that I have up on my website. The composition is identical as well as the aspect ratio. The painting depicts the scene at a different time of day, and he added part of a tree where in reality none could be. My image is black and white, his is in color.

If indeed he has used my photograph I am not amused. How do you think I should proceed with this? Do I write him a letter asking for clarification, or go directly to attorneys (which I'm willing to do)?