Scott,
Funnily enough one of the portraits that stuck in my mind as it turns out was one of yours, the 'young woman with shawl'. I assure you it wasn't because of it's 'dullness'. Classical, serene, and beautifully executed are some of my preferred adjectives.
I didn't realise it was one of yours because I just didn't have time to match up all the artists names and paintings from the catalog, I was hoping with a bit of research I could find most of the artists on the net when I got home and get some more background information.
To tell the truth I think I had a bit of headless chicken syndrome.
so sorry Linda no photos ( didn't think you were allowed to take them actually, you live and learn)
The one by Michael Taylor RP was another I was very impressed with, but then I have a penchant for 'older faces'. I can see that some people might be a bit put off because the face is larger than life, but I liked it.
Here's the link to his site for those interested,
http://www.mrtaylor.co.uk/works/ the work is titled 'Renata Symonds (2004)'
Allan, I wouldn't say that the exhibition was 'promoting traditional portraiture,' far from it really.
The thing that made it so interesting for me was that the classical, traditional, contemporary were exhibited side by side. Also the diversity of the content,(there was one of the back of a girls head)and style was as Scott says really extreme. I've a feeling that some artists here would question whether they even qualified as portraiture.
Another one I found really interesting was 'The wishing well ' by Dougall McDougall.
http://www.kitglaisyer.com/artoose/Doug/index.htm It is 38x48ins When you are any closer than 4-5ft or so it doesn't make much sense, you can see the torn and scrubbed paper, but step back and the image is unnervingly real.
I'd love to do the jet thing. I've a feeling the exhibitions would be totally different.