Re: Paintings
Its your own decision to make AE but if you have any doubts in your mind about pictures and paintings of people then play it safe and just avoid em. In the end it may or may not be permissible but you know you are getting the reward for opting to stay on the safer side.
Why not just go for abstract / calligraphic art. Personally some of the most beautiful paintings i've seen are all abstract art followed by calligraphic works. No pictures or paintings of people can compare to them.