Come and say hello at the portrait group exhibition at Studio 48 New Lambton

Here's a bit more information about the portrait group I paint with on Mondays.

Most art shows or exhibitions don’t feature many portraits as a portrait of a person is the most difficult painting an artist can create!

The painting has to look like the subject and capture something of their personality.

I paint portraits for a living so I realise how challenging that can be!

Our group are all members of the Society of Artists Newcastle .

The group started as  a Monday drawing group who used to take it in turns to sit as the model for the others to sketch.. Below is a 20 min sketch of Dudley I created at one of these sessions.

The longest time we could have someone pose for a drawing was only 30mins which didn’t really allow enough time for a painted portrait or a more finished one.

About 4 years ago I suggested we start to have a few longer 3hr sessions  so we could practise our painting. 3 hrs is still not really long enough to complete a portrait but you can get some quite interesting results. ( see Michael below).

It’s got so popular now you have trouble getting a place to set up your easel!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                The group in action at Lambton- the model is sitting at the front out of sight of the camera.

Each year we have an annual exhibition where the members get to do a more finished portrait. This year it is at Studio 48 opening this Friday at 6pm.

The challenge this year was to create a portrait of yourself including at least one hand ( hands are hard to paint) and also create one of another member of the group who’s name was selected by a draw out of a hat. 
There are a wide variety of styles in the group. Several of the members  have entered the Archibald art prize  so there should be some good portraits on view!

Here is my portrait group ( & Archibald) entry from last year..This painting ended up winning first prize in the Oil section at the  Dobell art show at Rathmines 2012.

‘Making a mark” self portrait Sue Linton 2012

 Here I am creating one of my two entries for this year..

 "He's a winner to me!'

Unfinished self portrait with Zeuss 2013

I'd love to see you at the opening!
 I will also be at the exhibition from 12 - 2pm on Sunday the 7th April ( this Sunday) so drop in and have a chat!