More than 120 artists from nine states attended the Portrait Academy featuring award-winning artist and popular instructor Thomas Nash on Saturday, October 15, 2005, at the Pinkneyville Art Center. The attendees came from several states including, Bobbi Baldwin from Roseville, California, who traveled the farthest to attend (and was presented with a Silver Brush Thomas Nash Painting Set, donated by Silver Brush Limited). In addition to registered participants, nineteen students from area high schools and universities attended through the Portrait Society's scholarship program.

Co-Ambassadors Deborah Kepes and Victoria Moore Abbott welcomed attendees and Christine Egnoski introduced Thomas Nash. Ernest Varner, President of the Portrait Society of Atlanta, did an excellent job as emcee for the day and coordinated the door prizes, which were donated by Silver Brush Limited, Tom and Donna Nash, and Binder Art Supply.

Nash set up an extensive multimedia presentation that included a split screen so attendees could see his palette, the model, and the canvas as well a PowerPoint presentation. During the presentation Nash discussed his philosophy of painting and the important points of establishing the painting before beginning to paint. His illustrative images were helpful and informative. Nash began his sketch concentrating on the front and side planes, paying particular attention to anatomy. The multimedia presentation created an in-depth study of color, light, and shadow and the specifics of his thought process as he painted. The day-long workshop concluded with a question-and-answer session, which gave the audience a chance to interact with Nash one-to-one.

Many artists wrote to Nash after the event to express their appreciation. Phyllis Gottschalk from Ponte Verde, Florida said, "It's obvious that Tom really cares about his students." Walt Peterson, an artist from Roswell, Georgia wrote, "The whole day was a success and should be considered the prototype for all Academies, presentations, and demonstrations. The best demonstration I have ever seen. You could see both the painting and the palette. Tom is able to both talk and paint at the same time, and the likeness was awesome."

Back to 2005 past portrait academies