Visitors' poll

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