Hello from Narberth, PA

[Alexandra Tyng]

After discovering this forum about a year ago, and becoming engrossed in the threads of discussion, I finally decided to join and become a participant.

I've been a professional portrait and landscape painter for about 30 years. I taught myself to paint in oils when I was in high school, at a time when representational art was not at all popular. My "self-teaching" is ongoing, and it includes lots of drawing and painting from life, reading about how other artists approach their work, visiting museums, and exchanging critiques with other artists. I put "self-teaching" in quotation marks because really I have learned an incredible amount from others!

I'm looking forward to talking more with other portrait painters. A couple of examples of my work are attached below.

[Chris Saper]

Alexandra,

Welcome to the Forum! I know you will enjoy participating as much as I do!

[Allan Rahbek]

Alexandra, welcome to the forum.

What fascinating work, looking forward to see more of it.

Allan

[Garth Herrick]

Alexandra,

May I add a warm welcome to you here at the Portrait Artist Forum. I love the spatial depth in your work. I look forward to your contributions and learning from your example and experience. This Forum has really opened things up for me in the past year, and I am sure it will for you too. This is a great community.

Speaking of community, you know, I am only five miles away! (Germantown)

Happy painting,

Garth

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Alexandra,

I knew your name was more than familiar. I believe the year was 1988. Imagine that! We had a show together.

I just had a look at your website. Wonderful work!

Garth

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Welcome to the forum Alexandra.

I've just visited your website, very beautiful work.

And Garth, when are you going to build yours???

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome and positive comments about my work! I think I will enjoy the forum a lot. Talking with other artists and seeing what they are doing is a great way to keep growing.

Garth, I do remember that card! Every once in a while I see it as I'm rooting through my stuff from old shows, etc.! Now I know why YOUR name is so familiar! And I greatly admire your work. I happened to see your portrait of Gov. Rendell as Mayor when it was in Judge Rendell's office. I was doing a portrait of Judge Shapiro and she wanted me to see how your work was framed because she wanted something similar. I thought you did a great job on the portrait. I especially like the way Rendell is contrasted with the carved figure on the mantlepiece behind him, and how you arranged the composition.

[Garth Herrick]

Alexandra,

It's a smaller world than I often realize. We both have portraits of federal judges in the same courthouse! I am working on another one right now. Thanks for your very kind compliments on the Ed Rendell portrait. I probably spent a little too much time on that one. By the way, I accidentally destroyed the frame, and had to re-gild it myself (which is what you saw). The Rendells knew all about that. I hope you found a good frame for Judge Shapiro. Again I love the spatial depth in that portrait, with the way you have included the exterior distance. It is always a thrill to gaze out upon the cityscape from those lofty sumptious judicial chambers. I know what you were feeling when you were there. Glad to "meet" you again!

Garth

[Alexandra Tyng]

Garth,

Sorry to hear about that frame. I'm glad it turned out okay. I heard that the Rendells were very pleased. And congratulations on your new commission!

[Sharon Knettell]

Alexandra,

Welcome, your painting is lovely. We look forward to your participation here.