Stepping into your world...
 

.. the world of portraiture, that is!

First off, let me just state briefly that this forum is one of the best (if not THE best) art forums on the Web. Many thanks to Cynthia and to the moderators for making it all happen.

I am a former New Yorker, living in Maine since 1997. I recieved a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in '93, and was a student of Marvin Mattelson (you might know of him ;) ). After graduating, I kicked around the illustration world for a bit, doing mostly young adult book covers with some ads and editorial thrown in.

A few years ago, I began to paint in earnest the landscape that surrounds me here in this beautiful corner of New England. While doing a lot of plein air studies, I felt that my life drawing/painting skills could use a jolt, so I worked with the model for a year or two, as well.

Very recently, I received a commission for a pothsumous portrait of a young girl (she was murdered, tragically). Aside from the circumstances, I felt it a little odd that I had not truly attempted any "official" portrait before - especially since I had rendered dozens of likenesses for the young adult book genre.

Now that I've completed this with satisfaction, I hope that this becomes a strong extention of my art. I must admit, though, that I am preparing for a show in June and the gallery is requesting landscapes. Ah, well.. we shall see!

Thak you for having me. It is a privilege to be among such incredible talents.

Rob

Great to have you on board, Rob. I look forward to seeing more posts and examples of your work. Welcome!

Thanks, Michele! I hope to have some more work on here in the near future!

Welcome Rob, I feel the same as you.

My Maine Man
 

Hey Rob,

It's about time you got here. I'm very glad you're applying your great talent towards portraiture. It seems like a natural fit.

Hey, Marvin!

Yup, I'm late as usual. Thank you for the compliment, though. It does still mean a lot coming from you.

Welcome
 

Hi Rob, I just joined too and share your thoughts about this site. I attended a short summer course at the School of visual arts in...oh well, I think it was 1992..., my teacher was called John Gundelfinger. He was really nice and supportive, did you know him?
Best of luck for your work
Ilaria

Welcome Rob,

This world is a beautiful place.

Jean

Yes, Jean - this is a beautiful place. I see you doing your part to contribute, too!

Ilaria (what a lovely name!) - I did not know the instructor you had in that workshop, unfortunately. But I DO know that SVA has some of the best instructors in this country when it comes to representational realism.

There's this one guy I know who's also conducting some classes there this summer.... that Mattleson dude. That's the hot ticket right there, I'll tell ya!