Timothy Crisman joined the Portrait Society several years ago, but this year he made the decision to attend the 24th annual The Art of the Portrait conference. Afterwards he wrote, “This was my first conference. I have studied and painted on my own for 25 years. I am so sorry I haven’t come to the conference before; I gained such a sense of community during the conference. The experience was one of the best in my life, I will treasure it always.”
Opening night featured 19 artists demonstrating together in the Grand Ballroom, in a variety of mediums.
I couldn’t agree more! After a two-year hiatus, the Portrait Society conference was back in person in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with about 600 other artists, I made the decision to brave travel again and eagerly made my way to this unforgettable experience that promised to be both exhausting and exhilarating. I’m an Australian member of Portrait Society and like Crisman, this was my first time attending the conference.
Since taking up portraiture, I have found the Portrait Society and Instagram my favorite virtual platforms for seeing the best of the best and for connecting with like-minded artists. I look for excellence in technique, and for styles and instruction I relate to, in order to advance my own competence. In isolation, many people turned to creative pursuits and career artists mastered and benefitted from adapting to online teaching, exhibitions and sales. The Portrait Society also rose to the challenge with virtual conferences and Wednesday Webinars.
Attendees were treated to a museum worthy exhibition that showcased the magnificent work from 20 artists juried into the premiere International Portrait Competition.
However, it felt good to be “real” again, embracing the unknown and anticipating new experiences and friendships. In full pre-pandemic fashion, the Grand Hyatt’s ballroom was abuzz on opening night with the Face-Off event where highly accomplished artists paint, draw and sculpt from life. Next door, equally knowledgeable art suppliers were set up with an excellent array of painting and drawing materials, books, DVDs and frames ready to provide intimate knowledge of their products and instant sales. Just talking to other attendees resulted in poignant insights and interesting purchases.
Each day of the conference started with a large group presentation followed by a choice of break-out sessions where faculty artists demonstrated and discussed their artistic approaches and marketing practices. I marveled at how all presenters could simultaneously convey pearls of wisdom and deftly demonstrate techniques. Insights into art history were mixed with storytelling and tips on design, drawing, values, color and edges. And just as painters select what to put in and leave out of a composition, attendees were able to focus on what mattered most to them, rather than only what cameras chose to show, in the demonstrations and pre-conference workshops.
A perfect end to the Gala Awards and Banquet presentation was the 20 finalists gathering together for a group photograph.
No virtual experience could have matched Mary Whyte’s powerfully stirring presentation on the first day as she recounted her passionate and patient journey to create We The People, a touring exhibition and magnificent art book. Accompanied by a live musical trio and huge colorful images, we were moved to learn the stories of 50 American veterans from all walks, who Whyte got to know over seven years as she painted their large-scale watercolor portraits. Filled with lessons for life as well as artmaking, this tour de force received a standing ovation.
In between events, attendees were able to meet artists from all over the world and share experiences and knowledge. Since artists are generally private people working in isolation and to deadlines, this is a rare opportunity to meet and chat and learn from each other. An attendee who had been several times before commented that this gathering was even more meaningful as learning of others’ struggles during the pandemic made her own journey easier. One young first-timer couldn’t get over the contrast between this welcoming, encouraging, uplifting, unpretentious environment and the ferocious internet world of social media celebrities and keyboard warriors.
1. Louis Carr offered instruction on capturing the identity of a person that transcended the facial features during one of four pre-conference workshops offered on Thursday. 2. Attendees were offered valuable information from the panel discussion on presenting your work in the digital age. 3. Seth Haverkamp discussed the fundamental principles of a strong portrait during his lively demonstration. 4. Mary Whyte captivated attendees with an illustrative look at her 50 large-scale watercolors and her seven-year journey to capture and depict our country’s veterans. 5. Victoria Wyeth shared an intimate glimpse into the private life of her grandfather, Andrew Wyeth. 6. Michael Shane Neal and Michelle Dunaway offered concurrent demonstrations while emphasizing the importance of edges in a successful portrait. 7. Mary Qian and Jeff Hein focused on the importance of color harmony in their dual demonstration. 8. Ron Hicks, along with Greg Mortenson and Elizabeth Zanzinger, offered one-on-one instruction during the popular Friday afternoon drawing workshop.
So why is everyone so openly supportive and willing to share? Many of “the greats” spoke fondly of their mentors and are so appreciative of what they had been given, they feel compelled to pass it on. Gratitude turns into generosity of spirit and the greater the openness, the greater the gift of expression. Generosity knew no bounds as members, faculty and live models gave freely of their time and artworks to benefit the society. Comradery and shared passion transcend all abilities, achievements and ages—and excellence is aspired to in everything produced. The nature of this organization is something very special.
In addition to demonstrations and programs, being able to see the collection of original work in the International Portrait competition was truly exhilarating. The excitement built throughout the weekend as we all gathered on Saturday evening to hear the announcement of the Draper Grand Prize and other placements.
There was standing room only in the Grand Ballroom for Robert Liberace and Adrienne Stein’s demonstration on Saturday afternoon.
Attendees could also actively participate in drawing breakout sessions and have their own work critiqued. I was fortunate to have Luana Winner and Mark Pugh give me honest constructive feedback on a painting I wish to improve. When it came to bidding in the 6x9 Mystery Art Sale, I chose a painting that demonstrated some of the techniques I now want to include in my work. Well, I won the painting, and to my surprise it was painted by Winner! Harry’s Eyes has traveled home with me to Australia, a meaningful memento.
I came to The Art of the Portrait conference expecting to learn “how to” and “with what” but instead experienced a paradigm shift in my thinking and left with an understanding of “why.” I now understand why I paint portraits, why edges and light are so important and why simplification is essential. I want to convey ideas and emotions rather than simply copy reality. I plan to paint what I can’t put into words, and I won’t let fear or frustration stop me. As a passionate lifelong learner, I have been given permission to stay young at heart forever.
An emotional tribute to the late Edward Jonas ended with a standing ovation acknowledging the many artists whose life had been impacted by him. All photos by Robin Damore, Thomas Caleb Goggans and Peggy Kinstler.
This conference has the potential to change lives, foster mentorships and build friendships and insights. Many thanks to the Portrait Society board and staff, faculty and volunteers who make this possible!
Janelle Hatherly took up painting two decades ago after a professional life in science education and interpretation in museums and botanic gardens. She is the Portrait Society’s Ambassador for Australia/New Zealand and a committee member of the Cecilia Beaux Literature Committee. Her achievements include painting the 12 principals of a university residential college and being selected as a finalist in ten Australia-wide exhibitions. —