The value of a portrait

[Tarique Beg]

Hi folks

I find some people in the public at large understand the value of a portrait. Its permanence, its artistic beauty, and its projection of, not just the resemblance but more importantly, the inner character and personality of the subject as perceived by the painter. Of course, good portrait photographers such as Yousef Karsh have also projected the character and personality of his subjects very effectively through photography using very inventive methods. As the story goes, when Karsh was photographing Winston Churchill, he wasn't satisfied with Churchill's contrived pose. So, he walked up to the statesman and pulled the famous cigar out of Churchill's mouth. Then he quickly returned to his camera and snapped the picture at just the right time. Churchill's indignant and somewhat belligerent expression shows the force of his personality very effectively in that famous photograph. With suitable lenses, and a combination of processing tricks, I guess an expert portrait photographer could create a very artistic effect with insignificant distortion. However, I think a portrait painter who does not have to work within the limitations of any mechanical device or chemical process has maximum control over creativity. I think a portrait painting, in additon to projecting the personality and character of the subject, can also convey that certain ineffable atmosphere of a story. But it requires sensitivity to perceive all this.

There are also some people who don't fully understand the value of a portrait and tend to compare it to a life-size studio photograph. What is your experience ? How do you explain the value of a portrait as a painting to them ? Have you encountered such a situation ? and what is your experience with most people ? Doesn't it also require a certain artistic sensibility in clients for them to be moved by a painting ? what is your experience with the public at large ? comments ?


Tarique

[Stanka Kordic]

Hi Tarique,

You raised some very important points. I totally agree that the client needs some sort of artistic sensibility to appreciate what we do. It is so encouraging for me to hear feedback from people, noting similarities in my work to my favorite artists. They appreciate the effort more, and with that, the expense attached to it.

Yes, I have personally had conversations with people curious about what I do, and oftentimes I need to explain the process involved. They can't fathom that a portrait can take months to finish, that being a portrait artist can be a "career". These people most often are not my clients. I'm sure they walk away thinking, "I'll just go and buy an 8 x10 photo package"...

In my marketing efforts, I try and look for venues where people appreciate the arts. They go to concerts, museums, etc. Usually these same people have the financial wherewithall to afford such an investment. It's just not worth my time and energy to "explain" myself to those others who don't get it. The way I see it, there should be no explaining. The worthiness of owning a portrait should speak for itself.

~Stanka

[Michael Georges]

Further, a portrait is an "investment" in your family or business. Photos fade and will be degraded within 25 years. They capture a moment where a good painting can capture a lifetime. A portrait will be in your family for generations - an heirloom to pass on.