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Debra Jones · 07-25-2009, 12:52 AM

I was thinking the same thing recently, and spoke of it to a fellow SOG member.

I went through the National Portrait Gallery on Monday while visiting DC. I was both impressed and, in a sense bolstered by the images I saw. Yes, the icons of their success were the norm, but I was thrilled at the variety, and oddly the scale of the pieces. Perhaps the paintings on display were because there is limited room and smaller works make for greater quantity, but the scale of most of the pieces I found remarkably human. Pieces that I would actually have room for in my studio to paint.

But what I was most thrilled about was the variety. The understanding of traditional technique for maximum effect was quite visible to me. I was not so daunted as I felt I might be. I also was impressed by the range of novelty of the more contemporary portraits. Christy's portrait of MacArthur, for one:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/...f635f4.jpg?v=0
amazingly loose, and NOT regal.

I was excited about the thought that we as the painter, have to have a voice. Perhaps it is why I am not a SUCCESSFUL, portrait painter, but these Sargents above, are all about Sargent. They are commentaries, not depictions. As portrait painters, it is necessary to have a voice in order to tell the story of our sitter.

That apparently frightening portrait of Eunice Shriver from the contest winner, was pretty nearly breathtaking in person. So far from the hand on the chair and stately setting, it was literally radiant. The Rockwell portrait of Nixon, the Shanks Reagan, such strong commentary in paint on the individual, but oddly quite accessible.

There was a time when I remember the controversy being to educate your audience so they could learn to appreciate you. I truly believe that as an individual, the approach to your client will always have an audience. If you can be honest and strong in your statement, you can find the people who want to be seen through your eyes.

Now, I really need to go find a cute little girl in white to paint.
dj*

07-25-2009, 12:52 AM	#7
Debra Jones Juried Member Featured in Pastel Journal Joined: Jan 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 457	I was thinking the same thing recently, and spoke of it to a fellow SOG member. I went through the National Portrait Gallery on Monday while visiting DC. I was both impressed and, in a sense bolstered by the images I saw. Yes, the icons of their success were the norm, but I was thrilled at the variety, and oddly the scale of the pieces. Perhaps the paintings on display were because there is limited room and smaller works make for greater quantity, but the scale of most of the pieces I found remarkably human. Pieces that I would actually have room for in my studio to paint. But what I was most thrilled about was the variety. The understanding of traditional technique for maximum effect was quite visible to me. I was not so daunted as I felt I might be. I also was impressed by the range of novelty of the more contemporary portraits. Christy's portrait of MacArthur, for one: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/...f635f4.jpg?v=0 amazingly loose, and NOT regal. I was excited about the thought that we as the painter, have to have a voice. Perhaps it is why I am not a SUCCESSFUL, portrait painter, but these Sargents above, are all about Sargent. They are commentaries, not depictions. As portrait painters, it is necessary to have a voice in order to tell the story of our sitter. That apparently frightening portrait of Eunice Shriver from the contest winner, was pretty nearly breathtaking in person. So far from the hand on the chair and stately setting, it was literally radiant. The Rockwell portrait of Nixon, the Shanks Reagan, such strong commentary in paint on the individual, but oddly quite accessible. There was a time when I remember the controversy being to educate your audience so they could learn to appreciate you. I truly believe that as an individual, the approach to your client will always have an audience. If you can be honest and strong in your statement, you can find the people who want to be seen through your eyes. Now, I really need to go find a cute little girl in white to paint. dj* __________________ http://dog-a-dayartblog.blogspot.com/ Because some people have four legs.