A prospective on purchasing portraits
Lately, I spend a considerable amount of time visiting art galleries. From the shops in Sea Pines to the studios on Saint Helena and everywhere in between, I think I’ve toured them all. Talented artists proudly display canvases from seascapes to landscapes; from still life to abstracts, expressive art abounds. As I meander through these spaces, introspective thoughts cross my mind, a kind of Jungian therapy through art. Pablo Picasso once stated, “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” So, with welcoming gallery owners, I while away hours discovering carefully curated art.
As of late, I’ve found myself drawn to portraits. Perhaps having a non-judgmental friend displayed in my home brings me some sort of comfort. At first glance, I’m drawn to displayed portraits. By the end of my gallery walk, I am drawn back to those same people for a final review, critique, observation, you get the picture. My mind slows down as I catch myself weaving back and forth between close inspections and observing from afar. I imagine myself in sync to the steps of the artist.
After so many hours, days and weekends visiting galleries, I have decided there are just three questions to ask myself before purchasing a portrait.
Do I relate to the sitter?
Do I identify with the composition?
Finally, would my favorite portrait artist take this piece home?
If yes to all three, then I’m on to the next question, “Where do I see this in my home?”
First, sitting for a portrait takes time. From hours to weeks to months of stillness, both artist and sitter build a symbiotic relationship. Eventually, admiring observers may relate as well. As an onlooker, noticing how the artist portrays his subject unveils much. I believe a person determines emotions of both subject and artist by analyzing facial features. In fact, I am convinced eyes are indeed the window to the soul. Moving on to the bottom third of the face, is there a smile, grimace or something in between allowing me to understand the subject’s feeling? My mind becomes curious at this point, so I move along to the magic of the brush. Through brushstrokes the artist shows age, health, gender and ethnicity. The artist’s use of light and shadow further conveys this message. I don’t mean to say that I’d only buy a portrait of someone who looks like me. I’d hire someone to paint my portrait for that purpose. I simply want to relate to the subject, and that also includes intrinsic factors such as mood, emotions and even elements of surprise or dread. Through facial features, brushstrokes, elements of light and shadow, the artist gives us clues to understanding.
After relatability, I move on to the next question, “How do I identify with the composition?” I’ve discovered accomplished artists are masters of this technique, from adding props such as pens, strands of pearls, a paring knife, etc., to elaborate outdoor settings depicting sunny beaches or stormy nights at the end of a country road. The artist’s ability to create a composition revealing a story I identify with and all the while capturing my attention is a must. Think Edouard Manet’s “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” or Tamara de Lempicka’s “Self Portrait in the Green Bugatti.” Both examples speak volumes, thus allowing viewers a chance to identify personally to the composition.
Finally, I ask myself, “Would my favorite portrait painter buy this work?” In my case, a Rembrandt. According to the National Gallery of Art, “Today, over 80 self-portrait paintings, drawings, and prints are attributed to him (Rembrandt).” Many Rembrandt enthusiasts currently refer to the Baroques genius as the originator of selfies. Rembrandt’s restored home, now a museum, contains lists of prints the Dutch Master collected over his life. These works include such celebrated artists as Raphael, Michelangelo and Flemish painter Adrien Brouwer, to mention a few.
If the answer to these questions, “Do I relate to the subject? Do I identify with the composition? And finally, can I see my favorite artist taking this work home?” is yes, then I’m ready to ask the patient gallery proprietor, “Would you tell me more about this artist, and do you offer delivery?”
Holly Floyd Hicks is the owner of Art Consultant LLC. If you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment contact Holly at hollyfloydhicks@yahoo.com.
