Each year, this spectacular Annual Conference sells out registration as over 600 portrait artists from around the world converge to take part in lectures, demonstrations, and inspirational camaraderie, as they strive to share and learn about moving their portrait art forward to new levels. The annual competition is a highly regarded event, highlighting twenty finalists from (this year) 1700 entries (talk about a challenging job for jurors and judges alike!)

As a long-time active member and Chairman of the Society's Cecilia Beaux Forum's Literature Committee, I am always honored to be asked to participate in educational activities. This year will bought participation on a panel discussing ways to promote our art, and to specifically talk about self-publishing for portrait artists.
       

On Saturday morning, April 26, my artist friend Oscar Peterson  modeled for me  for a live demo - utilizing painting materials from the Gamblin folks, a palette from New Wave Art, and using the ever wonderful Rosemary Brushes.




On Friday afternoon, the day's activities culminated with the "6x9 Mystery Sale", always greeted with energy and lot of enthusiasm - the Society invites faculty and guest artists to paint an image of their choice on a a 6"x9" panel (or comparable), and several hundred pieces are simultaneously unveiled - pieces are auctioned off over a VERY short period of time - 30 minutes - artists don't sign their work on the front, only on the back, so often buyers don't know the artist until after they've purchased  their art - each for a low flat price of $250. Proceeds are used to fund scholarships.

Below is my 2014 donation:)