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Faces&Figures
Portrait News from Habets Studio
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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E April 2008
* The Story of Madame X * Portrait Conference in Philadelphia
* Meet Saihou: The Ambassador of Peace * Oil Painting vs. Watercolor
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The "Art of the Portrait" Conference I attended the Portrait Society of America's annual portrait conference in Philadelphia earlier this month. It was an inspiring experience. I wrote about it and posted photos in the Faces & Figures blog.
Portrait Stories
Oil Painting vs. Watercolor
 I really needed to delve into something new (read great, big sarcasm here) but hey, when you see an opportunity to study with someone whose work you greatly admire, you need to do it. (At least that's what I keep telling myself as I'm scrambling to prepare a painting in time for class.) I started taking oil painting classes with portrait artist Robert Daley and I am amazed by his knowledge of the medium. I've learned so much in four short weeks. (I won't mention how much MORE I still need to learn!)
To see two oil paintings as they progressed, go to the Faces & Figures blog.
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A R T ( I C L E )
 The Story of Madame X In a political year of scandals and accusations, I thought I would add my own little scandal to the mix. It has nothing to do with pastors, dodging sniper fire or bitter small towns. It also took place over a hundred years ago and involved, not a powerful speaker and a former First Lady, but a painter, a socialite and a shoulder strap.
Painted by John Singer Sargent, Madame X was first shown at the Paris Salon of 1884. It instantly became a scandal in French society as a result of the suggestiveness of her pose and the pale, pasty color of her skin. Her shoulder strap was originally painted to look as if it were falling off her shoulder, unthinkable for a high-society woman in those days. Because of the uproar, the shoulder strap was later painted back on the shoulder by Sargent.
The "X" of Madame X was actually Madame Gautreau whose reputation and social standing were apparently destroyed after the painting was displayed. Sargent, who was a darling of Paris at the time, left France abruptly and moved to London. The painting is now recognized as a masterpiece, considered by Sargent to be one of his best works.
 Although the book, Strapless, recounts this tale in all its sensationalist detail (you may feel like you are watching Fox TV or CNN), I found it to be a fascinating window into the life of one of my favorite portrait painters, John Singer Sargent.
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M E E T S A I H O U N J I E
Batik artist, musician, teacher and "ambassador of peace"
In February, I worked with art teacher Amy Smeal to bring artist Saihou Njie to Washington elementary school to work with the fourth graders. Saihou is a teaching artist from Gambia who now lives in Pittsburgh. He spent the day with the students, teaching them the art of batik and giving a drumming demonstration. It was a sight to see--students and teachers dancing wildly, laughing, drumming, and...making NOISE!
What I liked most about Saihou's visit was his message of peace. He asked the students to promise him that they will try to eliminate one word from their vocabulary, the word "hate". He also said, "You will interpret things based on the way you feel, so always try to be happy."
Saihou exhibits his work at various shows around the city and has even been a guest on Mr. Rogers.
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Specializing in Watercolor Portraits and Figures
To see more artwork, go to the Habets Studio website.
To see paintings as they progress, go the Habets Studio blog.
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