RSASA Comes To Burra Gallery

RSASA comes to Burra Gallery: A unique selection of the best portraits from finalists in RSASA Portrait and Characters of the Fleurieu Prizes
Curated by Philip David and Don Burrow

We have a marvellous group of very varied and very proficient talented portrait artists from SA here in Burra. All the works were finalists’ works in major portrait prizes, including the Moran, the Percival, the Black Swan, the Kennedy/RSASA and RSASA Characters of the Fleurieu.
Normally the artist asks a person if they would consent to sit and pose and during the sitting the work is started and progressed with. Often the artist takes the time to get to know the sitter by asking questions about their lives. This acts to put the sitter at ease as well.

Many artists use the photographs taken during the sitting to further the work later. This is due to the fact that many people lead busy lives and it is rare for subjects to spend more than 1 or 2 sessions with the artist in person.

Each of the artists has behind them many, many hours of practice. It has been said that the 10,000 hour rule prevails as the more you paint the better you become. Once a high degree of skill is gained, it is almost impossible for the artist to change their signature style. Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Dali etc. each has a recognisable style and brush strokes which are like one’s handwriting.

Take a good look and be inspired. Good portrait painting takes practice. Nobody was born instantly proficient. Many of the great masters started very young but still had to master their craft. It would have come with hard work, practice and persistence. Picasso started drawing at a very young age. His very early works are quite child-like but by the time he reached 17 years old he had practiced many hours using form, shape, blending, colour etc. Although for those of us who desire to paint a good portrait, it’s never too late to start.

Philip David, 2019.