Alice Neel: What do you think?

[Alexandra Tyng]

It's true, Tom--artists who paint portraits run the gamut between those who think accepting commissioned work is equivalent to making a pact with the devil, and artists who do only commissioned work because it is deeply satisfying practically and artistically.

Don't think I'm wishy-washy, but I think the whole spectrum of viewpoints is valid. No one should feel defensive about the chioces they make. There is a lot to be learned from the cooperation that goes into commissioned work; it can challenge the artist to make things better and solve problems, and it can challenge the client to think in new ways, too. There is also a lot to be learned from having complete freedom to compose a portrait and solve problems without the parameters of the client steering the artist in one way or another. As Tom was saying, he does both at different times. I also do both, and in very much the same spirit that Tom works. Some people only do one or the other, and that's fine.

My impression from watching the documentary on Neel (Andrea, correct me if I am not right) is that she often asked people if they would sit for her. Her portraits were appreciated by some subjects, but not others. She was inspired to paint her version of truth, whether or not it was appreciated. She was okay with living more on the edge financially than some other people. I'm not saying that that is more admirable. What I'm saying is she was living the way she wanted to live. If we express ourselves the way we want to, if we are true to our particular kind of creative spark, then that is what is important in life.

Alex