Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Several Stroke of Genius Artists in New York Times Article

Marcus Lim · 10-29-2005, 10:42 PM

Hi, thanks for sharing this well-informed article about portraiture and its culture in the US. It spans across thoughts on how composition works out to become the final artwork, and a brief history about changing trends in portraiture, namely in the settings and dress codes the portaits were composed in. In fact, this seems to be the marker for the article itself.

I think you're right Michele, to feel that the article conveyed the idea of "documenting" the lives of their kids. I read and do feel the same way too, especially when Wende agreed that the world nowadays sees kids as individuals making a statement for themselves. In fact, many commercial products around children are exactly hitting on that same note. So i feel this article is about informing readers the trend of modern-day portraiture, and how it has changed from the early days.

In a way, it is a beneficial article for all portrait artists, member or non-member of SOG. Because the way i see it, having the kids dressing casually than formal clothing breaks the mindset that "portraiture is only for the Trumps", and the Simpsons might just well go for it after reading this article.

I guess this quote from the article sums up to what i'm saying about the benefits here:

"I've had couples who don't have dining room furniture but would have a portrait done of their 4-year-old," said Gordon Wetmore, chairman of the Portrait Society of America.

10-29-2005, 10:42 PM	#4
Marcus Lim Juried Member Finalist, Int'l Salon 2006 Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 324	Generalised article Hi, thanks for sharing this well-informed article about portraiture and its culture in the US. It spans across thoughts on how composition works out to become the final artwork, and a brief history about changing trends in portraiture, namely in the settings and dress codes the portaits were composed in. In fact, this seems to be the marker for the article itself. I think you're right Michele, to feel that the article conveyed the idea of "documenting" the lives of their kids. I read and do feel the same way too, especially when Wende agreed that the world nowadays sees kids as individuals making a statement for themselves. In fact, many commercial products around children are exactly hitting on that same note. So i feel this article is about informing readers the trend of modern-day portraiture, and how it has changed from the early days. In a way, it is a beneficial article for all portrait artists, member or non-member of SOG. Because the way i see it, having the kids dressing casually than formal clothing breaks the mindset that "portraiture is only for the Trumps", and the Simpsons might just well go for it after reading this article. I guess this quote from the article sums up to what i'm saying about the benefits here: "I've had couples who don't have dining room furniture but would have a portrait done of their 4-year-old," said Gordon Wetmore, chairman of the Portrait Society of America. __________________ Marcus Lim Historian Painter, Singapore Facebook Page www.marcuslim.com [email protected]