The Mission of the American Society of Portrait Artists (ASOPA) is to instruct, motivate and share knowledge with all who desire to learn the art of portraiture.

Value Statements

ASOPA strives to teach the classical techniques of the Masters and to apply these high standards to contemporary portraiture.

ASOPA encourages portrait artists to aspire to the great tradition of portraiture as exemplified by painters, such as Velazquez, Sargent, Cassatt and Beaux; and by sculptors such as Houdon, St. Gaudens and Huntington.

ASOPA advocates working from life whenever possible and using photography only as a reference tool.

ASOPA is dedicated to the advancement of portrait artists through educational resources, such as scholarships, workshops, seminars and periodicals.

ASOPA promotes the accomplishments of its patrons in ASOPA publications and provides competitions to give artists the confidence to grow and succeed professionally.

ASOPA encourages its patrons to share their knowledge of portrait painting and to remain compatriots in this universal and common bond.

Adopted by the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board in November, 1998
Updated by the Governing Board and Advisory Board, September 2002