We rolled out our welcome mat last week for many of our sales associates and artists who attended the 2013 Portraits, Inc. Seminar “Face to Face” in Birmingham, Alabama, the home of our corporate headquarters.
We had full agendas for associates and artists during the three-day event, including special dinners, an art walk, panel discussions, demonstrations and a live-event painting by artist Ronald Bayens.
The grand finale of the seminar and a highlight for many was a special lecture by artist John Howard Sanden, who has been an artist with Portraits, Inc. for 42 years. In his time as a portrait artist, he has painted more than 500 portraits.
Mr. Sanden also has a passion for education, and we were thrilled to have him present his lecture, "Painting the President and First Lady: The White House Portraits." The lecture was held at the Birmingham Museum of Art and was open tothe public as well as those attending the seminar.
Ed Jonas, chair of the Portrait Society of America, provided the introduction, then Mr. Sanden took the stage to begin speaking about his own research into the long and interesting history of the White House Presidential and First Lady Portraits. His lecture included topics such as the story behind the most famous American painting of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, the competition for the Lincoln portrait, the mystery of the Buchanan portrait, the masterpiece ofthe Presidential Collection of Theodore Roosevelt painted by John Singer Sargent and much more.
After this historical tour, Mr. Sanden recounted his own experiences painting President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. This included information about the timelines for the portraits, the self-image of the subjects and the purpose of the portraits, all challenges Mr. Sanden handled well throughout the portrait painting process to result in two beautiful portraits.
The story of traveling to the White House with his family for the unveilings in 2012 and meeting several U.S. Presidents and First Ladies was also included.
Thank you to all those who attended the lecture, as well as our associates and artists who attended the seminar. It was great to spend some time with you all face to face!
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 70-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.