Hello from Narberth, PA
 

After discovering this forum about a year ago, and becoming engrossed in the threads of discussion, I finally decided to join and become a participant.

I've been a professional portrait and landscape painter for about 30 years. I taught myself to paint in oils when I was in high school, at a time when representational art was not at all popular. My "self-teaching" is ongoing, and it includes lots of drawing and painting from life, reading about how other artists approach their work, visiting museums, and exchanging critiques with other artists. I put "self-teaching" in quotation marks because really I have learned an incredible amount from others!

I'm looking forward to talking more with other portrait painters. A couple of examples of my work are attached below.

Alexandra,

Welcome to the Forum! I know you will enjoy participating as much as I do!

Alexandra, welcome to the forum.

What fascinating work, looking forward to see more of it.

Allan

Howdy Neighbor!
 

Alexandra,

May I add a warm welcome to you here at the Portrait Artist Forum. I love the spatial depth in your work. I look forward to your contributions and learning from your example and experience. This Forum has really opened things up for me in the past year, and I am sure it will for you too. This is a great community.

Speaking of community, you know, I am only five miles away! (Germantown)

Happy painting,

Garth

Do You Remember This Card?
 

Dear Alexandra,

I knew your name was more than familiar. I believe the year was 1988. Imagine that! We had a show together. :exclamati

I just had a look at your website. Wonderful work!

Garth

Welcome to the forum Alexandra.

I've just visited your website, very beautiful work.

And Garth, when are you going to build yours???

Thanks
 

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome and positive comments about my work! I think I will enjoy the forum a lot. Talking with other artists and seeing what they are doing is a great way to keep growing.

Garth, I do remember that card! Every once in a while I see it as I'm rooting through my stuff from old shows, etc.! Now I know why YOUR name is so familiar! And I greatly admire your work. I happened to see your portrait of Gov. Rendell as Mayor when it was in Judge Rendell's office. I was doing a portrait of Judge Shapiro and she wanted me to see how your work was framed because she wanted something similar. I thought you did a great job on the portrait. I especially like the way Rendell is contrasted with the carved figure on the mantlepiece behind him, and how you arranged the composition.

Alexandra,

It's a smaller world than I often realize. We both have portraits of federal judges in the same courthouse! I am working on another one right now. Thanks for your very kind compliments on the Ed Rendell portrait. I probably spent a little too much time on that one. By the way, I accidentally destroyed the frame, and had to re-gild it myself (which is what you saw). :o The Rendells knew all about that. I hope you found a good frame for Judge Shapiro. Again I love the spatial depth in that portrait, with the way you have included the exterior distance. It is always a thrill to gaze out upon the cityscape from those lofty sumptious judicial chambers. I know what you were feeling when you were there. Glad to "meet" you again!

Garth

Garth,

Sorry to hear about that frame. I'm glad it turned out okay. I heard that the Rendells were very pleased. And congratulations on your new commission!

Alexandra,

Welcome, your painting is lovely. We look forward to your participation here.