Reflections from Portrait Society of America, Conference in Atlanta

Painted from life recently after being inspired by the Conference I attended.
Some of the Bay Area artists meet up on a weekly basis and paint a model from life.

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 If you want to improve, surround yourself with people who are better than you are. This is a popular saying I've heard time and time again.
I attended my first convention with the Portrait Society of America in Atlanta last month. I started out a little stressed, as I reached Atlanta without my luggage and I was terribly overwhelmed with being an insignificant grain of sand amidst an ocean of internationally acclaimed Artists. Over the course of the conference, I met inspiring and unassuming people who shared stories of their Artistic journey. Everyone I met inspired me or taught me some lesson, some in Art, some in life.
I had the opportunity to meet an acclaimed Indian Artist who began his career sketching tourists on the street, a Pakistani Artist who used to paint billboards for movie releases, an American Artist who spent time in Haiti after the Earthquake helping with the rehabilitation.
One Artist shared how she decided to pursue an Education in Art against her parents wishes and took up the cheapest housing available so she could afford to sustain her education. When her father found out she was living in a place frequented by the people of the night, he agreed to finance her Art education as long as she stayed in safe places. She also shared how she was invited by Bush #43 to visit his studio and she didn't want to sound too eager, so she waited all of 30 seconds before accepting the invite.
I made small talk with a guy sitting with his service dog in the Lobby Bar area on the first day and later I learnt that he is an icon in his field. His lecture on Anatomy accompanied by his demonstration was like watching a magic show. I wasn't sure if he had his eyes closed or open during his demo.
I attended another demo with one Artist who was so energetic she got paint all over her hair, that didn't bother her at all and it made for an entertaining session. Another acclaimed Artist only works in his suit, a fancy suit with shiny shoes polished and a slick hairstyle and mustache, he looked a little like Mr. Poirot painting with oils.
If there is a secret to becoming a better Artist, it is 'Paint from Life whenever you can'. I heard this over and over again. Family and friends, beware, requests for posing for me will be coming up soon.
Until next time
Artfully yours
Majella