The "Art of the Portrait" 2017

I returned home from Atlanta late Sunday night, April 23... and I'm still recovering. Actually, I just haven't had much time to write, since I got thrown head-first into potty training Cecelia... but I'm sure you don't want to hear about that. :-) This year's annual Portrait Society of America conference was particularly exciting for me, albeit exhausting. I came back with a very full heart and have spent the last week or so sifting through photos, following up with artists I met at the event, and catching up on time with my family. Before I left for the conference, I made sure to get a photo of Cece with her portrait. I borrowed the painting back from a collector in Scottsdale, and had it re-framed by Masterworks Frames just for the conference. They did an amazing jo… Read more »

The "Art of the Portrait" 2017

The Art of the Portrait - Recap Day 1

Last weekend was the 18th annual "Art of the Portrait" conference for the Portrait Society of America , held in Reston, VA. This was my 7th year in attendance, but my first year as an official faculty member! The conference always opens with an amazing production called the "Face Off," where 15 artists paint from 5 different live models over the course of three hours, and attendees can circle the room and watch all the action. I had the privilege of being one of those 15 artists.  I barely slept the night before. Whenever I'm doing something new, I overthink everything. But this year I had the benefit of having my twin sister Emily come along with me. It was such a joy to share this weekend with her. I'm sure she got a little tired of everyone thinking she was … Read more »

The Art of the Portrait - Recap Day 1