Visitors' poll

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettell

how shall I say it, negative and chauvinistic people. Impoliteness and crudity are allowed to run amok

Say not so, Sharon! Say not so!

[Sharon Knettell]

Originally Posted by Mouth agape!

Say not so, Sharon! Say not so!

Dear M. Agape,

Yes, sadly it it true. I am happy to participate in a Forum that regards civility as a virtue, a place where artists can expect for the most part to be treated with respect and not pilloried or ridiculed for differing opinions. Yes, there have been some heated discussions, but none that have resulted in crudity, offensive language, bullying and harassment, the defenses of those who sadly cannot clearly explain their position or point of view.

The sign up process referred specifically to submitting a painting.

But the name of the association refers to portrait artists. It seems that should include other forms like water color, pastel, and graphite.

My specialty is portraits drawing. For an example:

http://www.waynewalter.com/images/art/megan.htm

Can a portrait artist that specializes in drawing get accepted?

I am considering painting lessons since I have a natural talent for art.

Wayne Walter

[Donna Johnson]

I think SOG is a wonderful resource. The time I wanted/needed to post was during my head drawing studies and I was rejected. By the time I was approved I had settled into another forum. My studies have gone from portrait to anatomy and figure drawing, somehow SOG doesn't come to mind right off for that. I will be doing oil portrait work in the future and hope to participate more at that time.

Donna

[Steven Sweeney]

Media other than oil, including watercolor, pastel and graphite (and charcoal), are all welcome and are all represented on the Forum, some with dedicated threads and others appearing in "Other Media" categories.

That being said, the quality standards are just as high for those media as for oils. That has to be realistically and honestly acknowledged and accepted when submitting samples in those media.

No one medium is "better" than others -- though some are more traditionally associated with portraiture, and oil certainly has the greatest representation -- and each presents its own challenges. I'm very much aware of excellent oil painters who are helpless when they have a pencil or charcoal stick in their hands. I suspect that most portrait artists may never have had a hand at pastel.

In any event, whatever medium you choose to reveal your level of commitment and advancement, it will still need to meet the same high standard of quality and execution, as set out at length in the application section. That is what makes this particular Forum work the way it does, and makes the posts and interaction of greatest use to this particular community of practitioners, not in the sense of "best" but in the sense of focus and effect.

Just keep that in mind when applying and give it your best shot.

Hello,

I would so love to join this communtiy. I'm not painfully shy, because we all started sometime, but sadly I don't meet the '2 portraits from life' criteria, and it might take a while before I can join. I'm 61, quit work as a psychotherapist after an accident, and I've been learning to paint for 4 years, portraits for a year, as well as other paintings for shows. I was a commercial artist and designer years long ago. I entered and won my first art competition last weekend. I've been lurking here a year or even more.

On a small income as yet, and living rurally, I don't have access to models, so far. I have done two practise portraits from photos, and 5 days of live painting with David Kassan here in Australia, and incredibly, am on my second commission, paid at learning as I go. My clients were really happy with their commissioned portrait, and I am painting the second daughter now, trying both a classic style underpainting. and a more contemporary, to see which works best for me, and which they are happiest with..

I show my painting on other sites and solicit help with the process, and, this is far and away my favourite site. I can only watch and learn. I have Chris Saper's book, and I have done a class online of Mr. Whitaker's Paityn, which I did not finish due to commitments, and recently a class with Scott Bartner inside a forum.. I think I've got a knack for faces, and I really love the connection with my subjects through the paint, and so I'm working to become a really really proficient portraitist.

Two studies, one completed commission , 3/4 of the second commission done, all from photos, and one 3/4 finished live portrait! Sad story, I know. : ) I have some watercolour portraits in burnt umber from life, of my friends from some years ago

I suppose the quality of the work might count? So perhaps if there
was a screening process, I could show the board what I've done so far, and it could be that I fall into a category of 'barely acceptable'?

I took this poll as an opportunity to 'speak what's in me, even if my voice shakes....' because sometimes I actually dreamed or imagined writing to ask if the two portrait rule was at all flexible on my behalf.

Thanks for asking with this poll. I'm pleased to have a chance to say how I feel, and this is a request, not a demand, so I shall also understand if you must stay with your current criteria.

Annapurna McQueen [email protected]
Billinudgel, N.S.W.
Australia.

[Cynthia Daniel]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I don't meet the '2 portraits from life' criteria, and it might take a while before I can join.

Annapurna McQueen [email protected]
Billinudgel, N.S.W.
Australia.

The Board did away with the "from life" requirement some time ago. Though learning to paint from life is highly encouraged. Many people who cannot find models do self-portraits.

Originally Posted by Cynthia Daniel

The Board did away with the "from life" requirement some time ago. Though learning to paint from life is highly encouraged. Many people who cannot find models do self-portraits.

Thank you fo that Cynthia. I didn't realize. I began a self portrait and became discouraged by all the paint needed for the wrinkles! It's not a pretty picture. : ) I shall apply and see what happens. I would so much rather paint from life, and I may have a volunteer 'victim' soon. I have learned not to take any further commission unless I can make a drawing first. I cannot take a good enough photo that cuts out distortion yet and I trust my eyes much better.

Thanks again,

Annapurna McQueen

I'm not participating yet because while I like to paint I am interested very much in digital art and portraiture and am wondering if this is only a fine art society that may shun the digital medium or may not be interested in it.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Hi Cassie,

I can't speak about what is accepted at SOG, but I have to say I have the utmost respect for those of you who have managed to apply the priciples of good portraiture to your digital renditions. I have seen some awesome work out there and I admire the skill and especially the creativity!