I've just finished re reading this thread, I posted several months ago, and the discussion is very interesting. Obviously the forum needs an injection of new ideas, new people or new inspiration. THis is my first year on SOG and I'm still a relatively new portrait artist. ( I painted my first portrait 3 years ago, today) I work hard at my portraiture and avidly seek out any source of information in order to improve my painting. This can be via attending art galleries, shows, workshops from visitng pro artists, joining societies and of course participating in forums similar to SOG. There are many artists out there just like me who also seek input. We are prepared to pay.
There are also many top level portrait artists out there who are striving to make a living, this includes second tier aritists ( as previously descibed) and don't have time to do freebie critiquing.
I can see an obviously solution. If there was a section on SOG were I could pay a professsiosnal or talented artist to critque my work I would willingly pay. Any artist that wished to participate could list their name on the SOG section and members could contact them via email or PM for a critique. SOG would retain a small fee for the service. The critiquing artist would be reimbursed for his/her time and the member artist would get a critique from an artist they admire and respect. WIn/win. Critiques could be posted on SOG for all to read at the discretion of the paying artist. I'd have no problem posting my critiques for all to read as i had already gained the value of having my work critiqued .

Just a thought.

Bruce

I actively log in and search the forum threads for answers to my questions about my portrait business. Just today I needed to know how to price giclees for a new corporate client. The help I have found in this forum has been invaluable and without it I would not have been able build my 4 year old business and long waiting list to where it is today. There is still so much I have to learn. I

Dear Patrice,

SO many of us here face the same "mom" stuff that you do. We really get it. For those who don't have the perspective, it is huge.

I hope that you will feel welcome, and that there are many painters who are where you are,

Critique subforums
 

I don't understand why the Critique Subforums are off limits to guests. It seems to me that this would be an excellent way to judge whether we feel our work is of a standard by which we could then apply for membership and participate.

The Critique section is also a terrific way to learn from other established artists, i.e., what to look for and especially, how to 'see'.

Some members requested that the critiques area be password protected to keep out the search engines. They did not want their clients to potentially see their work being critiqued. Maybe there's a way for guests to be allowed in. I will check it out and report back. The password is right on the home page of the Forum.

Actually, the critique sections are open to all. All you need to do is type in critique. That's the password!

Thank you! I wasn't aware of that.

I paint to escape grief. The portrait is the greatest challenge.

i enjoy the forums - the opportunity to gain information/knowledge is great. Thanks

Elizabeth

Reasons for not taking part
 

Even though I like your web very much. English is not my mother tongue, so that I am afraid of not being able of expressing adequately my technical and philosophical points of view on the different topics that you discuss. If you could be understanding of possible errors of expression, undoubtedly I would dare to take part.

Your post alone indicates more than enough command of the language to be able to easily participate. There are several members whose posts reveal that English is not their dominant language, yet it rarely if ever is an impediment to understanding. If a usage or misspelling is confusing, someone else will simply attempt to clarify it on your behalf. I think you would find that any effort to express yourself would be welcome and would be accommodated without any criticism.