Artist Conferences and Competitions | Kathy McNenly

Artist’s often work in isolation from their peers. This is especially true of artists living outside of large urban areas. Being around like-minded people can be very inspirational and helpful, both on a technical and creative level. But often your peers may live far away or are very busy with their own work and do not have time to share with others.

Artist Jeff Hein painting from model

Art conferences that are specific to one’s practice can be very helpful with this dilemma. I have attended a few of the American Society of Portrait Artists conferences. They are an annual event usually in North Eastern United States one year and the Southern United States the next. I initially decided to enter their International Portrait Competition back in 2012, not expecting any chance of success. I enter competitions once and a while to keep my name circulating in the art business. There are a lot of failures, but also successes. Successes lead to being published in various art magazines and catching the eye of collectors or galleries.  

I was shocked when I found out I was a finalist for my portrait of the Beekeeper at the American Portrait Society competition. Out of close to 2000 applicants, there are 25 finalists. Being a finalist, I had free tuition for the conference and the event was held in Philadelphia, so it was not too far to travel.

The portrait competition and conference is a very popular event and the Portrait Society has thousands of members from all around the world. The conference brings together some of the best portrait painters in the business. Over 3 days, there are many live demonstrations, speeches, and hands on classes with instruction.

I was blown away by the technical level of the guest artists and their generosity to share their knowledge and their humility to recount their own ups and downs through their careers.

The conference concludes with a huge gala and awards ceremony, something one just does not see in Canada. Portraiture is very popular in the United States, and this organization goes all out for its members.

The conference was incredibly educational but also very inspirational. You leave fully charged to continue your own practice and with a little more courage.