BELOW: John Howard Sanden's demonstration, "The Portrait Study in 29 Steps," used founder of New York's Guardian Angels Curtis Sliwa as a model. Leading portrait agents joined the Festival artists for Roundtable II. Marc Pachter, head of the National Portrait Gallery, emphasized
 
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Fred Ross, www.artrenewal.org, spoke on the effects that the modern art scene has had on academics and realism. His statement "The backbone of the painter's back was thrown in the trash" rang true to my knowing. He spoke with dedication and determination to open the eyes of the world, as he feels that people have been trained to "dislike academic paintings" and the "average person shrinks away from their own perception" because of the modern art movement through the years. I applaud him for his valor in speaking so strongly. I have no doubt that realism is finding its respect once more in this world. M. Steven Doherty, Editor in Chief American Artist Magazine, did a historical slide presentation on the Wyeth family. Ruby Tebelak spoke on the charter chapter of ASOPA, The Portrait Art Society, in San Francisco, Calif., and the honor in being a chapter. Richard Whitney again used his magic words to address what it is that we do best. He instructed us to gain strength in our own work by studying the masters like Paxton, Gammell, Bunker, Gerome, Sargent, Velazquez, Ingres and Kramskoi. He spoke on the subject of the edges and the large simple masses of light and dark that makes the painting. Simmie Knox, who was recently commissioned to paint the Presidential portrait of former President William Jefferson Clinton, honored us with a surprise slide show. Marc Pachter, head of the National Portrait Gallery, shared his sense of humor with a talk on the importance of what we do as he said that the Gallery wants to keep great people alive in the minds of the public. The final speaker was Peter Adams, the president of the California Art Club, who spoke of the wonderful advancements that have taken place in realism and the fact that academics only wish to have a place at the table.
We were honored to have a rare opportunity to hear the words of Jamie Wyeth, representing his father, Andrew Wyeth, and himself as the recipients of the John Singer Sargent Medals. Jamie shared with us his words of wisdom as he added that he wished to accept the award for his grandfather, N.C. Wyeth, also. He closed with "Portrait Painting is the highest form of expression of all." As it is not normal for any of the Wyeths to make public appearances, this says a lot for this wonderful organization and the respect that it commands.
Demonstrations were outstanding this year as always. Richard Schmid painted in his alla prima style so excitingly fresh and amazing. He started by painting a side view of the eye with two brush strokes and commented, "I have the entire finished portrait in my mind." His demonstration was the highlight of the festival for many people.
Jim Ostlund substituted for his wife Michele Mitchell at the last minute, because of her health, but Michele answered questions while she posed. The situation was an enchanting one, as the talented pair shared their lives and academic knowledge openly.
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