by Kerry Vosler, Florida State Ambassador

Armed with a stick of pastel and a lifetime of artistic development, Judith Carducci opened the first 2005 Portrait Academy at the Ringling School of Art and Design. During a slide presentation of her paintings, she imparted her philosophy and approach to the portrait and figure to an audience of seasoned painters and young art students from local area high school and colleges.
Carducci stressed the primary importance of learning to draw from life as she quickly drew an accurate sketch of her model, Sarasota County Arts Council Executive Director, Patricia Caswell. Carducci shared her techniques and answered questions throughout the three-hour demonstration, peppering her instruction with sage advice and anecdotes. She stressed that she finds it particularly important to establish the structure before the details.

Many participants gathered around the stage, some sitting on the floor to get a closer view, as Carducci progressed past the drawing stage and began adding color. As she freely applied layer upon layer of color next to mud she told the audience not to specialize in only portraiture: "It is the responsibility of the artist to find what is interesting, exciting, and inspiring about this landscape, still-life, or portrait. Identify what inspires you, and it will be an inspired painting." As Carducci brought the painting demonstration to a resounding conclusion she encouraged the audience to strive for their own aesthetic.

Excited and motivated from the Friday evening demonstration, attendees set up easels around two models on Saturday and began painting the first of two portraits. Erin Levy, a Manatee Community college student, nervously painted her first portrait in pastel utilizing the guidance and instruction of Carducci. Throughout the day, Carducci continually shared her knowledge as she gave individual critiques to each participant.

The first of four academies proved to be an overwhelming success as attendees left inspired by the teaching and instruction of Carducci.

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