Chairman’s Letter
Ivividly remember the evening in February 1998 sitting at dinner in the National Arts Club, with four of the most accomplished and heralded portrait artists of our time, as we discussed the need for a not-for-profit organization that would support traditional representative figurative fine art. We wanted to build an organization, founded by artists, run by artists and for the sole purpose of us all becoming better artists. We believed it would create a stimulating environment where artists would contribute and share new ideas, techniques, concepts and inspiration. Our singular purpose would be to facilitate the personal and artistic growth of each member through the open sharing of knowledge.
As then-chairman Gordon Wetmore looked around the table and asked Daniel Greene, Burton Silverman, Everett Raymond Kinstler and William Draper if they would lend their reputations and guidance as Advisory Board Members, each one of them said “yes,” and so began our organization.
Gordon and I looked at each other with smiles of relief, because we had previously agreed that if their answers were “NO” then we would not proceed with the plan.
Over the past 21 years, each of these master artists contributed greatly to our success but the influence and involvement of Everett Raymond Kinstler grew stronger each year. He was involved in the long-range mission planning of the Portrait Society as well as conference programming.
So, it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news that Everett Raymond Kinstler passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019, after a brief illness. Many of you knew and admired Mr. Kinstler, his life as an artist
and portraitist is well known and recorded in both film and books. He was supportive and generous in his time and dedication to the Portrait Society including attending every conference for the last 20 years.
One word that describes Mr. Kinstler so well is dedication. He completed three portrait commissions in recent weeks signing the last one only a few days before entering the hospital. His commissions totaled over 2,500 and spanned seven decades. Mr. Kinstler was also a gifted storyteller, both in paint and presentations. He could weave a story in such a manner that kept you on the edge of your seat as he transported you in words and thoughts through his many encounters with famous as
well as everyday sitters.
Over the last week, so many of our members posted their own memories and sentiments by email and on social media, and I wanted to share just a few.
Robert Liberace, Draper Grand Prize recipient, wrote: “I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was an extraordinary artist and a profound inspiration to so many. I am especially grateful to you and the rest of the Portrait Society to include me in your events, which gave me the opportunity to meet such an art legend. Every artist who explores portraiture owes a debt to Everett Ray Kinstler. His impact will forever reverberate through the art world. Ray and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”
Gary Haynes, gallery owner and close friend, shared: “Feeling, imagination and communication. These are the words Mr. Kinstler used to describe what a portrait should exhibit to capture the true essence of the character of the subject. These words really describe Everett Raymond Kinstler the Man. He cared so much about people, his craft, and life itself. His imagination defined his greatness as a painter. He took communication to a level of entertainment with his gift to tell stories, and to tell them with great flair! What a joy it was to have known him. What a privilege it has been to offer his art. And what a pleasure it has been to call him a friend.”
Dawn Whitelaw, who met Mr. Kinstler in a workshop over 30 years ago, said that workshop and the friendship that followed were turning points in her life and career: “Kinstler had the pure charisma that you most often see in great actors and statesmen. It is up to all of us to keep telling all those wonderful stories he left us with and to keep working as hard as he did all of his life to improve his craft.”
Johanna Spinks recently posted this: “I am forever grateful for the genius that was Everett Raymond Kinstler. His brilliant masterful art, his devotion to the portrait world, raising the bar, his impeccable teachings, his steadfast friendship, his repeated kindness and encouragement: all these things changed my life as they did for so many others. It is hard to imagine a world without Ev but he lives on in all our hearts and his artwork will continue to inspire forever.”
Deborah Kepes posted this fond remembrance of her first meeting: “I first met Mr. Kinstler in 2000 at my first annual conference. I was so overwhelmed with the fact that I was meeting so many wonderful artists. I bought his book and was amazed at his biography, never having known him before the conference. I saw him standing in the hall and
got up the nerve to ask him to sign my book. He graciously said, ‘ Yes, of course.’ While I was standing there, I asked him naively, ‘Are you here every year?’ He chuckled as he continued to write and replied, ‘yes.’ I boldly said, ‘Oh good, then next year when I come, we will be old friends.’ He smiled and said, ‘ Yes!’ as he laughed a little. He handed the book back to me and I looked at what he had signed. ‘To my new old friend! Ray Kinstler.’ My admiration for him and his career is unending.”
There were many more comments, but all shared a common theme about the artist and the man, that he was an open and giving teacher regardless of who was asking for help or advice. And that he sincerely wanted to see everyone improve, however if he felt that an artist was trying to take a shortcut or following a trite aesthetic, he could be very firm and generous with his observations. In the end Ray was a straightforward, honest and highly gifted artist who truly loved painting people and sharing the many stories of all the unique personalities he had the pleasure of knowing.
Christine and I loved Ray, and over the years, he made us feel as loved and appreciated as though we were family. His wise counsel set us upon the right path, from which we do not intend to ever deviate, his advice will forever be with us and live at the heart of who we are and hope to be as artists and an organization.
Goodbye, my friend, you made me a better artist.