Bridging the Past and Future

For centuries, artists have come together through academic institutions, teaching studios, art societies and exhibitions. These vibrant art communities forged through teacher-student relationships ensure the preservation of artistic excellence and time-honored techniques. With each new generation, artists carry forward this legacy, becoming the vital link between the past and the future.

- By Marianne Rice

This year in the Washington, D.C. area, at the 27th Annual Art of the Portrait conference, more than 750 artists from across the globe assembled with some of the leading portraiture and figurative artists of our day. They arrived hoping to catch a spark of inspiration, learn new techniques, receive feedback and perhaps learn how to make a living as an artist. Participants returned home with something more profound. They witnessed how to make a meaningful life in the arts, through teaching, learning, camaraderie, resonance and beauty.

This annual gathering of artists is accomplished through the tireless efforts of staff, member volunteers and distinguished faculty who give freely of their time and expertise to provide meaningful content, and who strive to improve upon their efforts year after year. Participants had the opportunity to attend pre-conference workshops, mainstage demonstrations and breakout sessions that included panel discussions, hands-on sculpting, drawing instruction and painting demonstrations in oil, watercolor and egg tempera.

Portfolio critiques, book signings and open studio time with live models were also available to attendees. Throughout the weekend, there was an opportunity to get up close and personal with the work of the top finalists of The International Portrait Competition and openly converse with the artists.