Portrait Videos . . . Anyone know about . . .

[Richard Budig]

I've been tempted to buy a portrait video or two, but which one(s)? Who should be the "teacher" in them? Several painters have videos, but which are good, best, wrong . . . ???

I've seen the Greene tapes, and while I don't agree with everything he says, I found much useful information in them. His stuff is well thought out, and well presented.

Lately, I've been thinking of John Michael Carter's dual set, or a single tape by Paul Leveille. Anyone know anything about these?

I won't name names, but I recently saw a new portrait dvd that was billed as the last word in portrait instruction. In the dvd, the artist prattled on about using the "usual shadow color," and "some of this gunky stuff. Sorry, but I didn't know there was a usual shadow, or a paint mix called gunky. I was very disappointed, and don't want the same experience again.

Any comments would be very welcome.

[Chris Saper]

Hi Richard,

I have seen Richard Schmid's "The Captain's Portrait" and it is excellent. I also recommend Burt Silverman's "Portrait of a Young Girl: Jenny."

Another excellent choice would be Peggy Baumgaertner's 12-tape series. "A Portrait of Megan" . Information at http://www.baumportraits.com .

Although I have not seen Paul Leveille's tape, I have read both his books, and watched him demonstrate, and I can say that he is an excellent, articulate teacher. I'd be surprised if his tape wasn't every bit as well done. Sorry, no information on Carter.

[Michele Rushworth]

In addition to Daniel Greene's videos which you have already seen, I'd also recommend Peggy Baumgaertner's 12 video set, as Chris mentioned above.

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Richard,

Peggy Baumgaertner's tapes are wonderful. It is quite an extensive collection of 12 (I think) video's, each about 30-40 minutes, some longer. I have had a handful of portrait classes at various schools or 'institutes' and even after those classes, I learned so much from Peggy's video's. They're not cheap, but if you look at it like paying tuition for a class, I think you'll find them very worthwhile.

I also have Daniel Greene's tape and found that helpful too. But compared to Peggy's tapes it was very quick!

hope this helps,

Joan