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The Art of the Portrait Conference ~ May 8-11, 2025 ~ Washington, D.C.

Join artists from all over the world for the 27th anniversary The Art of the Portrait conference! The conference is a gathering of artists from all over the world that share a passion for the portrait. The format of the event provides a variety of demonstrations in diverse mediums, discussions on how to advance your career, hands on workshops, meeting the selected finalists and viewing their artwork in The International, 6x9 Limited Size Unlimited Talent – Mystery Art Sale, networking, portfolio critiques and so much more!

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What will you EXPERIENCE?

  • LEARN new drawing and painting techniques

  • CONNECT with established figurative artists

  • DISCOVER new drawing and painting materials

  • HEAR about innovative approaches for the business of art

  • RECEIVE one-on-one critiques of their portfolios from professional artists

  • BE INSPIRED by viewing the original artwork in The International

  • PRACTICE in the free evening drawing studio

  • ENGAGE in the hands-on opportunities in breakout classes

Faculty Artists:

Michael Bergt, Ali Cavanaugh, Michelle Dunaway, Ruth Fitton, Rose Frantzen, James Gurney, Quang Ho, Jeffrey Larson, Robert Liberace, Huihan Liu, Kevin Macpherson, Dominique Medici, Michael Shane Neal, Paul Newton, Alicia Ponzio, Timothy Rees, Mario Robinson, Oliver Sin, Daniel Sprick, Adrienne Stein, Dan Thompson, Louise Weir, Dawn Whitelaw, Mary Whyte, and Shane Wolf

Next Generation Guests Artists:

Phoebe Stewart Carter, Emma Rach-Syslak, and Elizabeth Ralph-Smith

Have Questions?

Call toll-free 1-877-772-4321 to have your questions answered by the Portrait Society of America staff. 

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Tuition

Tuition Rates:

Member rate: $595.00 

Non-Member rate: $695.00 

​Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, please notify the Portrait Society in writing before February 15, 2025 to receive a full refund. After February 15, 2025, you will receive an educational credit for your tuition less a $100 cancellation fee. Your educational credit may be applied to future conference or membership dues. If you have any questions, please call our office toll-free at 1-877-772-4321.

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Hyatt Regency Reston

LINK WILL BE EMAILED

All conference activities will take place at the Hyatt Regency Reston, our host hotel, just outside of Washington, D.C.  

A Hotel registration link will be sent to pre-registered attendees soon, as well as made available to anyone who registers. 

 

Hyatt Regency Reston - Washington, D.C.

1800 Presidents St

Reston, Virginia 20190

Tel: (703) 709-1234

Portrait Society conference rate: $149/night

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Schedule

COMING SOON

What can you EXPECT?

  • An Opening program featuring 15 artists demonstrating in oil, watercolor, pastel, graphite and clay

  • Pre-conference workshops to provide you with a full day of hands-on instruction

  • Main Stage demonstrations 

  • Panel discussions 

  • Breakout classes to select from with a variety of topics

  • The Gala Awards and banquet on Saturday evening – the Oscars of portraiture!

  • Exhibit Hall featuring the latest in art materials and services

  • Portfolio critiques from professional artists

 

... and so much more! Full conference schedule will be available to the public November 12.

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Virtual Conference

Tuition Rate: $495.00

Registration opens September 1, 2024

Interested in attending the conference but cannot attend in person? Click the button above to learn more about our Virtual Conference! Schedule will be available to the public November 12.

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Conference Scholarships

Scholarship applications open November 1, 2024.

 

As part of our ongoing mission to educate the public about the traditions of fine art portraiture and figurative works, the Portrait Society offers several scholarships.

In addition to over 30 tuition-only scholarships awarded annually for artists to attend the conference, the Portrait Society awards one full scholarship that provides tuition, three-nights hotel stay, and travel allowance: The Gordon Wetmore Legacy. Apply on or before January 31, 2025. Notifications will be sent mid February.

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Veteran Scholarship

Veteran Scholarship applications open November 1, 2024.

 

The Portrait Society is partnering with the Patriot Art Foundation to offer one full scholarship that provides tuition, three-night hotel stay, and travel allowance to a veteran in support of the Foundations mission to provide free education and materials to veterans who desire to use art as a conduit for self-expression, connection, and purpose.  Apply on or before January 31, 2025. Notifications will be sent mid February.

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