Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Sharon Knettell · 10-22-2002, 08:41 AM

This Forum is part of "Stroke of Genius", an internationally respected site which hosts a good many of the best professional portrait artists in the world. In that respect, may I offer an opinion as to what constitutes a beginner here.

This is my opinion and only my opinion, that a beginner here is one who has STARTED a rigorous course in portraiture. He or she is BEGINNING the grueling effort that goes into becoming a fine artist.

This includes:

A. Excellent drawing skills from years of figure drawing.

B. A thorough knowledge of composition.

C. Command of your technique, be it oil, pastel, watercolor etc..

D. A thorough knowledge of color.

E. An understanding of light, its effects and uses.

F. Today, competence in photography.

Sending in a copy of a snapshot of your child or pet is not beginning portraiture.

The art world is not a friendly place.

10-22-2002, 08:41 AM	#7
Sharon Knettell Approved Member Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 1,730	Beginners This Forum is part of "Stroke of Genius", an internationally respected site which hosts a good many of the best professional portrait artists in the world. In that respect, may I offer an opinion as to what constitutes a beginner here. This is my opinion and only my opinion, that a beginner here is one who has STARTED a rigorous course in portraiture. He or she is BEGINNING the grueling effort that goes into becoming a fine artist. This includes: A. Excellent drawing skills from years of figure drawing. B. A thorough knowledge of composition. C. Command of your technique, be it oil, pastel, watercolor etc.. D. A thorough knowledge of color. E. An understanding of light, its effects and uses. F. Today, competence in photography. Sending in a copy of a snapshot of your child or pet is not beginning portraiture. The art world is not a friendly place.