2013 Conference

There were over 30 Texas members registered this year for the conference! It was wonderful to see you all there!

- Texas Group Photo -

Back row: Judy Lind, Michael Mentler, Linda K. Smith, Alice Betsy Stone, Lenore Prud'Homme, Ann Kraft Walker, Ellen R. Moore, Chris Brizzard, Cheng Lian

Middle row: Carol Devereaux, Rhonda Lanclos, Jo Nell Richardson, Pam Schrader, Mary Plaia, Bob Shepherd, Randi Buche

Front row: Anna Rose Bain, Suzie Baker, Karen Henderson, Krystal Brown

Not shown: Anne Nelson Sweat, Rebecca Pearson, James Tennison, Beth VanDeventer, Julie Barbeau, Pamela Bruhl, Francine Garza-Vale, Edna Krueger, Vongduane Manivong, Sue Moore, Rosario Ponte, Debra Richardson.

A huge congratulations to Woodlands artist Cheng Lian, who was a top-20 finalist in the International Portrait Competition and won an Honor Award for his painting, "Silk Scarf."

"Silk Scarf," by Honor Award Winner Cheng Lian

Photo submitted by Ann Kraft Walker

"I thought this was the best one yet! I'm not sure why, it was not just one thing, but many facets that came together to make a truly wonderful conference. I really love the new, young blood giving their fresh ideas and demos. And, of course, a highlight was our own Cheng's award!!!" - Ann Kraft Walker

Photo submitted by Edna Krueger

Above: Artists gathered in the hotel lobby each night for great conversation around the piano.
Below: Attendee with artist and speaker, Thomas Nash

Photo submitted by Edna Krueger

Please share your photos and a paragraph or two about your experience at the conference! Send to annarosebain@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, enjoy a slideshow from this year's event. :-)

 

Here are some highlights from the event:

Everett Raymond Kinstler - Slideshow Critique 

Ray Kinstler was back by popular demand to give a critique of randomly selected portraits for the benefit of us all! 

Here's what he always looks for: IMAGINATION, FEELING (PASSION), and THE MEANS TO COMMUNICATE.

"There's no end for artists."

"If you're an artist, there's a part of you that's always going to be alone. Keep your heart open, and the joys are never ending."

"I love working. I love the excitement. There's no end to it."

"When I do a critique, I'm just giving my honest reaction. I don't really know how well the work reflects the artist because this is my first time seeing it."

"There is no substitute for working from life. The camera records; the painter selects."

"When you're painting highlights, think in terms of light planes. Actual highlights are isolated. Take advantage of the beauty of edges."

"Include 'air' in the shadows."

"When you're painting a portrait, everything should be the subject, and everything else is the background. Don't isolate elements in the background. Anything that takes away from what you're trying to say in the portrait, get rid of it"

"Don't try and tell everything."

"It takes two people to paint a picture, one to paint it, and one to him over the head when it's time to stop."

"This to me is the gut over every painter: their personality."

"Paint what you want something to be, rather than just its visual appearance. You have got to lead your model in a way you want them to look. Interpret - don't editorialize. My favorite portraits of all are those that have the quality of a good landscape."

"I am somewhat like an actor. I have a role to play, and I want to give it my best shot."