There could not have been a better venue for a program on portraiture, than at the renowned Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. The Butler had hosted a Retrospective show of Silverman's work a few years ago, and several of his paintings are in its permanent collection, so this was a homecoming of sorts for him.

In addition to professional artists, there were several high school and college students in attendance, keeping with the Portrait Society's commitment to nurture the next generation. The group gathered in the museum's intimate theater to watch Silverman at work on Saturday, and Sunday his student, Jada Rowland, painted a portrait of the teacher.

Rowland's demonstration showed how to paint a moving sitter from life as she did a full-face portrait in a casual pose of Silverman as he kept up a running conversation with the audience. Both Rowland and Silverman repeatedly emphasized the importance of drawing skills. Silverman stated several times, "one must be able to draw before one can become a painter."

Have you ever considered portrait painting as an exercise in "tact"? Fellow attendee and award-winning artist Linda Hutchinson brought back that concept to explore how to incorporate it into her future painting after Silverman discussed the importance of "living and viewing tactfully, slowly, carefully leaving something unsaid to be discovered by the viewer."

Those in attendance had nothing but positive things to say about their experiences at the Portrait Academy. Professional artist Tricia Kamen was impressed with Silverman's willingness to rework and struggle with a painting. The knowledge gave her hope, that the struggle "goes along with the territory" of being an artist. Portrait painter Dino Massaroni summed up the experience: "Priceless...We learn best by example." And national watercolorist Don Getz said, "I want to see more of these!"

A bonus for attendees was the Retrospective show of Richard Schmid's work, which was in its last weekend at the Butler. This as well as the opportunity to browse the Butler's marvelous permanent collection made the weekend inspiring and unforgettable.

Back to 2003 past portrait academies