Visitors' poll

[Cynthia Daniel]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I would love to become a member, however my work is all done in colored pencil and thus does not compete with oils or even pastels. I do a lot of portrait work and really wish you allowed colored pencil portraits.
Maurica Midge Reynolds-King

I've seen some wonderful colored pencil portraits. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm away until probably the 3rd week in May, but I see no reason to not have a colored pencil section. I'll address this then.

Thanks to Garth Herrick for posting those fabulous pics from the conference in Washington, DC! I wish I were a member of the forum and could have been there. Looks like a real community to me. And what a wonderful art collection at the National Gallery, not too far from the convention!

Hello,
I've just recently stumbled upon your wonderful forum. I have not registered because I don't feel my work would qualify. I don't mean to be rude, but I find it odd that you must have your work judged to register for this forum, something I've never seen before. Don't get me wrong, I understand the reasoning behind it but I feel it would make more sense to have forums that everyone can enjoy without having to "audition" while still keeping some forums blocked off(many forums do this). I feel it hurts the student who doesn't have finished works yet or who isn't up to par, the very people who need the most help.
Best regards,
The Lurker

Hi Cynthia
I am a reject that continues to lurk from time to time. I submitted two of my portraits about 12 months ago and was quite surprised to be rejected. The advice that was given to me from the judges was that I should work on my drawing skills and my understanding of tonal value. I always thought that I was reasonably competent in these areas, at least on par with the majority of registered members.
I am a professional portraitist, albeit not yet full time, I am working on building my client base with the intention of going full time in the near future. I still peek in the window now and then to see whats happening and to research anything I particularly want to know about. I even purchased Chris Saper's excellent book through this site.
I am now a member of several other forums and regularly submit comments and critque for the many members there.
It would have been nice to be part of SOG, but 'c'est la vie'
Bruce Johnson
www.brucejohnsonart.blogspot.com/

What a shame, Bruce. Could it have been the works you submitted? I've seen a LOT worse from several of the members here.

I can't remember which portraits I submitted, but they would have come from my blog..
www.brucejohnsonart.blogspot.com/

[Mary Jane Ansell]

Hello Bruce - I just had a quick look and personally thought your work was very strong, there's a lovely light on those pieces...

All the best
Mary Jane

[Cynthia Daniel]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi Cynthia
I am a reject that continues to lurk from time to time. I submitted two of my portraits about 12 months ago and was quite surprised to be rejected. The advice that was given to me from the judges was that I should work on my drawing skills and my understanding of tonal value....]

Bruce,

I see all the applicants because I have to handle the technical end of submitting images to the Board. I have to honestly say I don't remember you being rejected or even applying. It could be that some administrative mistake occurred. I know there are a lot of applicants who never take the second step. Their name sits in the pending applicant area and periodically I prune them out. It could even be that I accidentally deleted you in one of those pruning processes.

I looked at your work and asked the Board to take a look. Seems likely there was a pruning mistake on my part since they also don't seem to remember your work. I'm happy to tell you that your work was approved if you'd like to register - you don't need to take the second step, just the first. You'll then get an approval email within 24 hours.

Even though I like your web very much. English is not my mother tongue, so that I am afraid of not being able of expressing adequately my technical and philosophical points of view on the different topics that you discuss. If you could be understanding of possible errors of expression, undoubtedly I would dare to take part.

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Even though I like your web very much. English is not my mother tongue, so that I am afraid of not being able of expressing adequately my technical and philosophical points of view on the different topics that you discuss. If you could be understanding of possible errors of expression, undoubtedly I would dare to take part.

Your post alone indicates more than enough command of the language to be able to easily participate. There are several members whose posts reveal that English is not their dominant language, yet it rarely if ever is an impediment to understanding. If a usage or misspelling is confusing, someone else will simply attempt to clarify it on your behalf. I think you would find that any effort to express yourself would be welcome and would be accommodated without any criticism.