Every year, artists from around the country and the world come together for the Portrait Society’s The Art of the Portrait conference for four days of workshops, demonstrations, discussions, panels and painting sessions. An educational event at its core—and the largest event in the country focused solely on portraiture and figurative works—the conference is a wondrous opportunity to connect with fellow artists, as well as art suppliers and fine art connoisseurs. While every edition of The Art of the Portrait is inherently a celebration of art, this year it is especially so. The conference returns to historic Washington, D.C., where the magic first began, for its 25th anniversary.
A view of the finalists’ artwork for the 2022 International Portrait Competition.
“Every year, artists from around the world come together to learn from one another, sharing their successes and failures, their inspirations and lives...It has been a joy to witness these moments for the past 25 years,” says Kim Azzarito, assistant director of the Portrait Society of America. Executive director Christine Egnoski adds, “I truly believe that portraiture is one of the most important branches of the visual arts, not only for its own sake but for its historical significance to humankind. Our members are storytellers in a variety of mediums, and we’re pleased to support this vital tradition with a variety of education programs, like the annual conference. Our registration is at an all-time high...[and] I’m looking forward to our annual gathering and the continued contributions the Portrait Society is making for the visual arts, especially portraiture.”
Rick Casali, Portrait of an Artist, bronze, serpentine marble, 25 x 17 x 10"
The conference begins on Thursday, May 11, at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston, Virginia. Kicking off the event at 4:30 p.m. is the Face-Off, a demonstration of 18 faculty artists painting their fellow artists. Among the artists painting, drawing and sculpting in the Face-Off this year are Louis Carr, Rose Frantzen, Max Ginsburg, Jennifer Gennari, Ron Hicks, Quang Ho, Daniel Keys, Robert Liberace, Kevin Macpherson, Mary Qian, Anthony Ryder and Adrienne Stein.
Frances Bell, A Portrait Painters Painter, oil on canvas, 29½ x 25½"
“I am so proud to have been involved with the society since 1999—first as a member, then a grand prize winner, board member, and now chair of the organization...By creating a culture of artists supporting artists, with a focus on inspiring artistic growth, a thriving community has been created,” says Portrait Society chairman Michael Shane Neal.
Throughout the four days, attendees can take part in portfolio critiques, artist book signings, open drawing sessions, breakout faculty sessions and much more. And this year, the faculty of the conference is made up of 28 award-winning artists, including Burton Silverman and Dawn Whitelaw.
Janvier Rollande, Dreaming on the Edge of Time (Leo), graphite, 12½ x 14"
During the conference, the Portrait Society also exhibits the top 20 finalists of its International Portrait Competition, which are judged on site. Cash and prizes for the winners of the International Portrait Competition are announced during the Awards Gala & Banquet on Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m.
For a full schedule of all of the events taking place during this year’s The Art of the Portrait visit www.portraitsociety.org. —
The Art of the Portrait
When: May 11-14
Where: Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800 Presidents Street, Reston, VA 20190
Information: www.portraitsociety.org
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