Where were you 24 years ago? What twists and turns have you faced on your road to becoming an artist? Almost a quarter of a century ago, the most prominent portrait artists at the time came together in a synergy of commitment and action and founded the Portrait Society of America.

Today, the Portrait Society is a vibrant and active non-profit organization with a broad base of support and a focus on elevating portraiture and keeping the rich tradition alive and well. 

Gregory Mortenson, Blue, oil on canvas, 18 x 12" (45 x 30 cm)

Jennifer Welty, Luke, oil, 24 x 20" (60 x 50 cm)

How do you accomplish such a high ideal? The Portrait Society has established over 20 programs and publications (including our 10 pages here in International Artist) that further the traditions of fine art portraiture and figurative work. We reach over 60,000 artists in each issue—artists located all over the world—but we have also discovered we have made a difference, one artist at a time. By providing an opportunity for artists to gather annually, best practices can be shared, knowledge can be passed on and individual growth can occur. 

Jennifer Welty credits the Portrait Society with raising the standards of excellence in portraiture but also within her own career. She attended one of the first events as a finalist in the International Portrait Competition and connected with Portraits, Inc. They invited her to join them for representation, and they have been working together ever since. Welty carries a fully booked schedule and recently taught a Wednesday Webinar along with Teresa Mattos for the Portrait Society on Not Just for Kings and Queens – The Process of the Commissioned Portrait.

Louis Carr, Dorcas, oil on panel, 14 x 11" (35 x 27 cm)

Teresa Mattos, Study, oil, 9 x 6" (22 x 15 cm)

Some years later, Teresa Mattos was invited by Welty to attend The Art of the Portrait conference. At the time she was painting murals but had always been enamored with figurative art and contemporary portraiture. It was an eye-opening experience, one which led her to sell her ladders and scaffolding and make the leap to portraiture. Mattos says, “I never would have attempted the climb without the advice and inspiration from those further up the trail.”

As a student and enthusiastic young artist, Anna Rose Bain attended her first conference in 2010. Anxious to have her portfolio reviewed by Nancy Guzik, she stood in line only to discover she was in Guzik’s book signing line. Ever gracious, Guzik told her to find her later, and she would love to review her work. She kept her word and after the gala awards banquet met with Bain, spending a generous amount of time critiquing her work. Bain fondly reflects, “This encounter with one of the greats set the stage for a pivotal time in my growth as an artist.”

Nancy Guzik graciously reviewed Anna Rose Bain’s portfolio after the 2010 gala banquet.

Louis Carr, attending the conference in 2012, was introduced to Greg Mortenson. Louis had applied to Grand Central Atelier but was having second thoughts. Mortenson, who was an instructor at the Atelier, helped him make the final decision. Furthering his education helped him to develop and excel in his established and successful career. Next year, Carr will join our faculty, conducting a pre-conference workshop and teaching a drawing class. He feels deeply about paying it forward to his fellow artists. 

For my own journey, without the Portrait Society, I would not enjoy the career I do today had I not attended more than 20 years ago. I look back with such pride, having been a Grand Prize winner in 2001, a member of the faculty since 2002, a member of the board since 2010, and now Chair of the Society. I’m so honored to serve and be part of such an active organization, made up of artists willing to keep this important genre alive and committed to helping other artists through sharing of knowledge, inspiration and individual mentorship. I invite you to join me and take advantage of the opportunity to find just what you need to elevate and support your own journey.

Sincerely,
Michael Shane Neal
Chairman