Portrait Artist for Classical Portrait Painting Commissions in Oil

First Place • Portrait Painting
Portrait Society of America
International Portrait Competition

His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan

Best Portfolio Portrait Society of America 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 Certificate of Excellence Portrait Society of America 2005 Award of Merit Portrait Society of America 2004 Second Prize American Society of Portrait Artists 2001 Competition Honors Award ASOPA 2002 Competition Finalist ASOPA 2000 Competition Portrait Honors The Artist's Magazine: 2003

Portrait artist Marvin Mattelson creates classically inspired custom oil portrait paintings for official, corporate and private commissions. His oil portraiture demonstrates a level of craftsmanship and refinement that is unique among contemporary portrait artists. Marvin creates cherished heirlooms that are inspired by the very same sensibilities which guided the great classical masters for over five hundred years. By combining superb draughtsmanship, subtle lifelike color and deft paint handling, he brings his subjects to life and reveals their true character. If you wish to immortalize a cherished family member, recognize a momentous career achievement, or give a truly incomparable gift, commission Marvin – one of America's most accomplished and gifted classical realists – to create an extraordinary, unique, and timeless work of art. Selecting the best possible portrait painter to create your commission is an important decision. Marvin is a perfectionist and his credo – that his next painting be his best yet – keeps him constantly striving to reach greater artistic heights. Many of Marvin's clients are avid collectors who chose Marvin to create museum quality portraits that blend seamlessly with their prized collections. Because a well crafted oil painting will last for centuries, Marvin uses only the finest quality archival art materials to insure that you and your family can enjoy your commissioned portrait for many generations. Marvin has been creating award winning artwork for over forty years. He is a consummate professional whose portrait paintings meld his great passion for painting with his never ending fascination with the human spirit. His portrait painting, Sylvia at Seventeen, is a perfect example of how a modern master of classical realism can incorporate a contemporary aesthetic with a classical painting sensibility to create a truly unique commissioned work of art. Marvin uses fine craftsmanship and a sensitive eye to convey the inner essence of his subjects, eschewing the all-too-common pastiche of contemporary portrait painters: excessively flamboyant brushwork and flashy color. Marvin’s award winning oil portraits are sought by collectors worldwide. His work is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Nine of his paintings are included in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The Portrait Society of America awarded Marvin's portrait of Edward Cardinal Egan First Place in their International Portrait Competition. They chose him as a Merit Award winner and a Certificate of Excellence recipient in previous competitions and gave him four Best Portfolio awards. Marvin was also a finalist in the American Society of Portrait Artists Competition for an unprecedented three consecutive years, receiving both Second Place and Honors awards. He was awarded Honorable Mention in the Artists Magazine’s Portrait Competition for his portrait painting of Julia, one of only six portrait awards selected from thousands of entries. Since a portrait is ultimately a collaboration between artist and client, the importance of clear communication is essential, therefore Marvin prefers to work directly with you, his client, to insure that your expectations are not only fulfilled, but surpassed. To begin the process of commissioning a portrait of a loved one or a significant member of your organization, or for any other questions please contact portrait artist Marvin Mattelson. Portrait Painting, Figure Painting & Drawing Workshops and Classes Along with being an award winning portrait artist, Marvin Mattelson has created a "career altering" approach to teaching portraiture and figurative painting which is broad in scope, yet simple to comprehend. Marvin's teaching is not about tricky techniques and effects. He focuses on the most effective approach for creating realistic imagery that enhances your ability to express your true artistic vision. He believes that solid reasoning is at the core of all great painting, and those who know the truth are forever freed from the bondage of frivolous rules. His teaching goes far beyond mere rote learning. Marvin's unique ability to fully elucidate his thought process, while demonstrating his methodology step by step, allows students of all levels to experience a rapid and profound growth which continues to develop long after completing his course. "Marvin's that rare creature, a natural-born teacher who knows how to help you break through to a new level. He can (certainly!) communicate. And then he's that most vital thing, a fine painter, a problem solver in paint." Fran Scofield Portrait painters from around the world seek Marvin’s guidance. He has been a distinguished member of the faculty at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for more than thirty-five years. He has conducted professional artist training programs and critique sessions for organizations such as the Portrait Society of Atlanta, the New York Society of Portrait Artists, the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, the Andreeva Portrait Academy, Syracuse University and the University of Kansas. You can view examples of Marvin's SVA students' portraits and figure paintings as well as look at artwork from many of his portrait painting workshop students. You can also read feedback from his former students and get more information on Marvin's course description page. You can see examples of his in-class demonstrations including a musical version. Please look at the teaching schedules below to determine which program is best suited to your needs.