Smithsonian NPG

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettell

Direct contact means you can paint from photos as long as you have had direct contact with the subject. .

Can't we just prod them with a mahlsick?

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

[Michele Rushworth]

I wonder how they'll verify this "direct contact" thing. If an artist photographs George Bush from across a crowded room at some fundraiser, would they allow that, I wonder? (Aside from the model's release/privacy issues that George Bush himself would have, of course.) If the artist says that Bush came to their apartment for dinner and they painted him from life then, what verification would they insist on?

[Kimberly Dow]

Only one entry allowed. As far as competitions go, it's inexpensive for the possible exposure. I'll wait until the last minute to see if I produce any masterpieces before September.

For those of you who are entering, Im curious - was it an easy decision which painting to enter? Or did you struggle with which one is your best?