Smithsonian NPG

[Michele Rushworth]

I wonder how they'll verify this "direct contact" thing. If an artist photographs George Bush from across a crowded room at some fundraiser, would they allow that, I wonder? (Aside from the model's release/privacy issues that George Bush himself would have, of course.) If the artist says that Bush came to their apartment for dinner and they painted him from life then, what verification would they insist on?

[Kimberly Dow]

Only one entry allowed. As far as competitions go, it's inexpensive for the possible exposure. I'll wait until the last minute to see if I produce any masterpieces before September.

For those of you who are entering, Im curious - was it an easy decision which painting to enter? Or did you struggle with which one is your best?

[Sharon Knettell]

From what I can gather, you just have to give it your best shot. If you notice on the web site they feature the works of Alice Neel and Alex Katz, two quite non traditional portraitists. Trevor Fairbrother has written books on Sargent, the woman from the National Gallery is an expert on 18th century painting, the others seem to prefer more avante garde work and have written books about Alice Neel, and Han Namuth, who photographed Jackson Pollack. So it is a crap shoot.

[Sharon Knettell]

I just got a reply from The Smithsonian,

They said "yes you can use paid models, many artists have, just as long as you have had direct contact with them".