Taste

[Michele Rushworth]

Moderator's Note: Please keep this topic about art and away from politics or international rivalries.

[Marvin Mattelson]

As a portrait painters we have to work within certain limitations. If you can rise above these inherent restrictions, then you may find on your easel a portrait like Sargent's Lady Agnew or Rembrandt's Herman Doomer.

If you choose to be restricted, then you create portraits steeped in mediocrity. That's what separates the geniuses from the wannabes.

In terms of what wins awards, you have to factor in the hidden agendas of the judges. Half are trying to justify either what they themselves do or their ideal of what ART should look like, while the other half want to keep out anything that competes with their standing in the portraiture pantheon and protect their butts.

If any of them judged with the intention of rewarding excellent examples of portraiture then you'd see beautiful examples of commercial portraits and no dichotomy between fine arty and commercial portraiture.

Lastly, everyone has their own opinion about the wrong and right way to do everything. If you take offense with those who don't share your opinions you're gonna walk around with a big chip on your shoulder trying to justify your position.

Aldo is entitled to think whatever he likes about my paintings. He's not going to be commissioning me (or anyone else) to paint a portrait, so he can think whatever he wants.

I have been fortunate enough to find a number of people who actually like what I do and therefore they put their money where their mouths are. These are the opinions that I regard with the utmost respect.

[Kimberly Dow]

Aldo,

I've never been to your country, so I do not know much about the culture. But, I have heard stereotypes.

I have this picture of the country as a whole being less obsessed with appearances than we are here. I could cite examples, but I do not know if any are true, so I won't.

Perhaps if it is true, this affects what is acceptable in a portrait over there?

[Aldo Balding]

Tim's, Tom's and Michele's follow ons reflect many of my own thoughts. I'd better leave my posthumous portrait of Benny Hill alone then!

It seems one's own portfolio will determine the style of commissions received so that would be difficult to change if one wanted to.

There is The Royal Society of Portrait Painters
www.therp.co.uk I believe Sargeant exhibited there, if you wanted to see what's going on across the pond. Although there are no forums like here. www.commissionaportrait.com is another .

The major plus here is you all help each other.

Regards,

Aldo

[Timothy C. Tyler]

I want to go on the record as liking Benny Hill and Monty Python.

[Scott Bartner]

It

[Aldo Balding]

Scott,

A lot of London galleries like realism.I think your work will be well received,selling paintings is difficult at the moment however.

If you want any advice or a beer, contact me offline.

Aldo

[Stanka Kordic]

Wow. Aldo, your portraits are powerful.

The commission a portrait site is exciting as well. There is quite a range of styles shown. Thanks for the links, I'm really inspired.

Regards,
Stanka

[Kimberly Dow]

I've enjoyed cruising those sites as well. It seems as though, on the Royal Portrait Painters site anyway, that there is a lot more emphasis on the backgrounds.

[Jeff Fuchs]

Aldo,

I have reviewed the websites you have mentioned, and I must say that you have made your point. For the most part, I saw portraits of real people being themselves... even the children.

I liked your comment about one's portfolio dictating the type of commissions one receives. It's a point worth noting.