Visitors' poll

I am a beginner in portraiture, mainly using ink or watercolour and now I am trying to use oils also. I do not feel I qualify as I am not a professional artist. However, I learn a lot from visiting forums and reading about techniques used.

I am hopeful that one day in the future I might qualify to apply for membership.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I have to agree with a previous poster. My work is good enough and I am willing to be juried. However, for privacy reasons, I prefer not to use my full name.

Glad to see there's another regular lurker who feels the same.

[Alexandra Tyng]

I m curious why someone might not want to use their full name. I realize that there is no privacy on the internet, but there is a level of professionalism on this forum that shouldn't be detrimental to anyone's reputation--or am I missing something? Is it more of a question of personal preference not to have your name in the public domain? I would appreciate a more detailed explanation as this issue is interesting to me.

[Chris Saper]

There are many other forums (?fora) that embrace annoymity.They might be good venues for you. Here, posters state their names.

I have really just begun to paint portraits, and I am not sure what the requirements are to be a member of this forum...I have recently entered two portraits in our County fair, I am hoping that I recieve some good feedback regarding my portraits. I have never sold a painting, but I hope to begin a second career as a portrait artist.

Like many others I appear as a guest when reading the forum as I am not yet a member.

The forums are very informative and helpful and are a great way to pass a few hours without guilt, I consider it to be part of the process of portraiture as no one can be successful in this field without the input of others.

So when you see "guests" on the forum, count on it, one of them will be me in disguise, reading, learning and enjoying. Hopefully one day if I am successful in joining I will be able to contribute and offer opinions and advice to others and do my part to help.

Christopher M. Grimes

Do enjoy your site (bravo) just don't like cookies. Won't even go to NY Times site for the same reason.

I think there is a certain ambiguity about just who the forum is for. The front page inviting registrations does have a kind of 'No riff raff' message and one is left wondering where one's place is.

I have been lurking for a couple of years now and will probably try to register soon with no real idea of just how difficult this will be. I do belong to one or two other non art but selective forums and they do have their place but perhaps the 'only people serious about making portrait painting their profession are wanted' criteria is setting the bar just a little too high.

I have tried to register and uploaded my two portrait paintings but have not heard back. If I need to re-register, contact me at [email protected]. Thanks, looking forward to participating.

[Cynthia Daniel]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I have tried to register and uploaded my two portrait paintings but have not heard back. If I need to re-register, contact me at [email protected]. Thanks, looking forward to participating.

Sometimes it takes days or even up to a couple of weeks for all Board members to weigh in on an applicant. Some might be traveling for their own business or when the Portrait Society conference is going on, everything is on hold. In any event, The Board members have all voted now and you will have your response. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you do portraits digitally?