The Art of the Portrait Annual Conference
May 3 – 6, 2007 in Washington, DC

Gordon Wetmore at the Saturday night banquet and awards program.

"Portraiture is Back"
Report of the 9th Annual The Art of the Portrait Conference
By Amanda MacCaughey-Apostol

It is no surprise that the 9th Annual The Art of the Portrait conference once again delivered a series of enlightening and inspiring programs. With over 750 artists, agents, and enthusiasts in attendance, the Hyatt Regency Reston was bursting with enthusiasm as the 4x4-Four Artists, Four Portraits demonstrations Thursday evening kicked off the weekend's events. Portrait Society faculty members Jason Bouldin, Ann Manry Kenyon, Michael Shane Neal, and Chris Saper revealed techniques in sessions packed to capacity.

This year featured a number of thought-provoking presentations and informative demonstrations. Marshall Bouldin carried on the momentum of Thursday night's demonstrations, sharing intimate details of his struggles and triumphs as an artist. He concluded by stating that he is still striving "…to have the freedom of Sargent, the effect of Rockwell, and the depth of Rembrandt."

Scott Burdick, one of the Portrait Society's newest additions to the faculty, treated the audience to an oil demonstration exploring the uses of color. In general, his technique involves working from larger to smaller shapes, using a palette consisting of warmer and cooler versions of the same colors, and shying away from intense color until the larger shapes are established. In a later breakout session, Scott was joined by his wife and fellow artist, Susan Lyon, to share their experiences painting abroad. The light-hearted pair was personable with their audience as each spoke on their own approaches to painting the figure.

Everett Raymond Kinster demonstration

One of the highlights of the weekend proved to be Everett Raymond Kinstler's Old Man and the She full-length figure demonstration, with Executive Director, Christine Egnoski, stepping in to model. He spoke about the importance of painting from life and communicating with strong craftsmanship. Giving the audience a glimpse into his motivation, Kinstler shared his favorite quote by Benjamin West, "Whatever object you are painting, keep in mind its prevailing character, rather than its accidental appearance."
Audiences were also thrilled to see presentations by Daniel Greene and Burton Silverman. Daniel Greene shared with the audience the new directions he is exploring with his work, proving that even an accomplished and highly reputed artist can reinvent himself while continually growing and developing as a professional. Burton Silverman's presentation looked to the past, divulging personal and touching reflections on some of his earliest drawings and paintings.

An always rousing Robert Liberace opened Saturday's sessions with a detailed look at how his work relies on lessons he has learned from the Masters. As he flipped through the slides, he poignantly expressed where he derives his inspiration, evident in his many drawings and paintings.

Judith Carducci welcomed to the stage legendary watercolor artist, Charles Reid, whose ground-breaking work with the figure is known throughout the art world. Relying on careful drawing, he enthralled the audience as he quickly built up color, demonstrating how his hand rarely leaves the paper. With a goal of getting the details right the first time, Charles seemed to effortlessly find focal points while building up the sitter's likeness.

Ann Manry Kenyon painting demonstration with model Luana Luconi Winner.

Friday afternoon's nine breakout sessions covered a wide array of subjects and provided attendees with the opportunity to build a schedule that suited their individual needs. Panel discussions included Loryn Brazier, Chris Saper, Ann Manry Kenyon and Dean Paules addressing the difficulties associated with painting hands; and Peggy Baumgaertner, Jason Bouldin, Wende Caporale, and Bart Lindstrom giving advice on managing mistakes in portraits.

John de la Vega fielded his audience's questions in an informal and intimate atmosphere, and Richard Whitney used a slide presentation to illustrate his five principles of painting. In a painting demonstration, Peter Cox revealed his approach to direct and indirect painting, while Calvin Goodman captivated his audience with helpful tips on pricing and promoting artwork. Rounding out the afternoon's sessions were a drawing workshop with Patricia Watwood, and the ever-popular slide critique session with noted artist, Daniel Greene.

Michael Shane Neal

Attendees filled Break-out rooms to capacity for the debut of the ArtSpeak Bonus programs, Friday evening. Peggy Baumgaertner, Bart Lindstrom, Michael Shane Neal, and Paul Newton presented to rapt audiences on a variety of topics ranging from color and composition to a personal and technical history of John Singer Sargent.

With an air of excitement, the annual Awards Banquet kicked off Saturday evening where the winners of the International Portrait Competition were announced. Of the eleven Finalists, Glenn Harrington (Pennsylvania) was awarded the Draper Grand Prize, with Adrian Gottlieb (California) receiving Best in Show, and Jeremy Lipking (California) and Robert Armetta (New York) named First Place and Second Place winners, respectively. Aapo Pukk (Estonia) received the First Honor Award. Other Honor Award winners were David Jon Kassan (New York), who also won the People's Choice Award, Romel De La Torre (Illinois), Jean-Paul Tibbles (England), Anthony Pulitano (New York), Tang Wei Min (China), and Kate Sammons (Pennsylvania).

Burt Silverman presenting the Gold Medal award to Harvey Dinnerstein.

This year, the Gold Medal Award was presented to renowned artist, Harvey Dinnerstein. Unable to attend, a video was shown of Harvey being presented the award by his long time friend and former studio-mate, Burton Silverman. In an amusing and entertaining talk, Burton shared intimate pictures and endearing stories of their unique friendship.

This year the Excellence in Art Education Award was presented to Jacob Collins, founder of the Water Street Atelier. Jacob was greatly honored to receive this award from the Portrait Society, who he feels shares a similar mission with his atelier-"fostering a community of artists pursuing classical traditions of beauty." Marc Pachter, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, was given the Leadership in the Arts Award, for his tireless efforts to reinvigorate the tradition of portraiture. While delivering the keynote address, Marc shared his vision for the Gallery and concluded his talk by fervently exclaiming "Portraiture is back!"

Robert Liberace presents his painting of Marc Pachter

This lively and inspirational weekend would not be possible without the numerous artists, vendors, members and other supporters that generously offer their time and expertise. They are truly an invaluable part of fulfilling the Portrait Society's educational mission. Overall, the weekend's effect on attendees can be summed up best by one long-time Portrait Society member, "Only in these four days can we see the top of the portrait world in one spot. I am really grateful to the Portrait Society for this wonderful opportunity."



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