Visitors' poll

I am an amatuer painter. In truth painting is my second hobby. 3 days a week I teach fencing and often on a 4th day I'm at tournaments. I have a full time job as well. I am very happy to stay in the background enjoying the high quality of work and learning from the painters who post here. I am thankful that I am allowed to browse. I appriciate the time and effort involved in keeping this site up and running and in maintaining the quality. While I likely will never be a full member I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who "carry the load"

Steve Baker

Hello,
I sincerely hope my reason for not being a member of your forum does not offend any of you.

I would not see myself using the forum for advice or information about painting materials, but I am always interested in little insights tips etc: However when I look at the work on this site in most cases I find it difficult to tell one artists work from another, and there seems to be a disturbing element of unintentional kitsch in most of the paintings. Please do not think I am being rude about the work, this is just my opinion. I don't claim to be as skilful as the artists, it is just that I do not aspire to be like them. I can see that there is real craft skill in the paintings, but I feel that they are artless.
I hope this is seen as constructive critisism. I do not wish to upset anyone.

[Allan Rahbek]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hello,
I sincerely hope my reason for not being a member of your forum does not offend any of you.

I would not see myself using the forum for advice or information about painting materials, but I am always interested in little insights tips etc: However when I look at the work on this site in most cases I find it difficult to tell one artists work from another, and there seems to be a disturbing element of unintentional kitsch in most of the paintings. Please do not think I am being rude about the work, this is just my opinion. I don't claim to be as skilful as the artists, it is just that I do not aspire to be like them. I can see that there is real craft skill in the paintings, but I feel that they are artless.
I hope this is seen as constructive critisism. I do not wish to upset anyone.

Hi,
I think that any reason for not wanting to join the forum is a personal matter, and I would not have wanted to know about it if it was not because of your hints to the matter.

I would be very interested to know something more about the "unintentional kitsch" that you mention. This would make an interesting subject for me.
Basically I try to be able to paint the way I want, and what I want. So I hope that the weakness is in my choice and not in my capability. If it is so, I will be able to benefit from your knowledge,......if you choose to join.

Looking into this area of art and don't have 2 paintings yet .

I am 47 and serious about the field and have a lot of questions but guess I can't post them .

Feel a little like the job you can't get because you don't have the experience .

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.

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

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?