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Henry, it is true that the art of portraiture will never die out. As artists we would continue to paint even if we didn't sell - just because we love to paint. However, when the rent is due and the electric bill arrives it is nice when the money comes from what we love to do as oppose to having to get a different job to meet expenses. I paint becaues I love to, but since it is also my chosen profession I can't ignore the practical business end of art. If we start to lose commissions to photographs because they "look like oils" then it is time to educate the public before a momentum begins to grow.
Mike, I think Bob Schieffer is an excellent suggestion. He was the keynote speaker at the Portrait Society of America 2003 conference and he was excellent and very much in tune with portrait artists. Maybe Cynthia can suggest to one of the sites members that are on the board of the Portrait Society of America to check out this thread and pass the info on to Bob.
I also like the suggestion Ngaire made for a couple of well written press releases. It could be provided as a word document that artists all over the place could download and send to their local newspapers,Bar Associations, Medical Societies etc. Press Releases are a very inexpensive way to get the word out.
Mary
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