By Amanda McCaughey

This year at the Second Annual Portrait Academy at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Liberace conducted an intimate workshop to a room filled with artists, many of whom were local high school and college art students.

The morning began with Liberace demonstrating his techniques as he painted a remarkable portrait of fellow Portrait Society member and Pennsylvania State Ambassador, Gerald Simcoe. During the morning session the audience looked on in silent awe as the portrait began to take shape following the initial sketch. Liberace made several key points throughout. For instance, he stressed the importance of spending a good amount of time ensuring the image is solid and using angles rather than curves to define the placement of that image. The remainder of the day was filled with advice for artists of all levels.

The second half of the demonstration became more informal as the audience questioned Liberace and took part in active discussion as he worked. By the time the demonstration was drawing to a close, many participants were gathered around the stage, trying to get as close to the artist as possible. It was especially encouraging to see the enthusiasm expressed by the numerous high school students who took every available opportunity to speak with Liberace, even staying after the conclusion of the program to have their portfolios critiqued further.

As an added and unexpected bonus, the participants were invited to take a special tour with Bo Bartlett, a renowned artist whose exhibition was in full swing at the Pennsylvania Academy. Bartlett, also an avid study of the figure, spent the better part of 2 hours explaining his inspiration and thought processes for the large scale works that have made him so famous.

Perhaps one of the most popular features of the Portrait Society's programs is the Portfolio Critique sessions, which once again were made possible by the generous members, Robert Liberace, Gordon Wetmore, Gerald Simcoe, Adeline Cooper, Alexandra and John Ennis, who donated their time and expertise. The increasing popularity of the Portfolio Critiques was evident in the large number of people excited to participate.

Many young artists commented on the value of the critiques they received. Art student Roman Bilyk stated: "I received professional advice that I think will help me go to the next level. He could see far past the stage I was at and through his visual insight, advised me on how to progress."

The day ended with an enlightening slide presentation where Liberace openly discussed his work's progression throughout his growth as an artist, as well as reinforced the points he had made earlier in his demonstration. He sat among his audience, which promoted an atmosphere akin to a round table discussion rather than a formal presentation. Overall the day provided artists, both young and established, with some new insight. As Portrait Society member Linda Tracey Brandon commented, "It was an enormous inspiration to see two of the country's most gifted and intelligent figurative painters under one roof."

Back to 2004 past portrait academies