Oil Portrait Painting for Private, Corporate and Institutional Commissions by Award Winning Classical Realism Artist
Portraits of Children by Portrait Artist Marvin Mattelson
First Place • Portrait Painting
Portrait Society of America
International Portrait Competition

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His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan
enlarged portrait view
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 timeless and elegant custom oil portrait paintings of people for official, corporate and private commissions. His oil portraits bring to mind a level of craftsmanship and artistry that many believe had ceased to exist by the early Twentieth Century. His paintings are inspired by the very sensibilities that guided the great classical masters for over five hundred years. By combining superb draughtsmanship with subtle color and deft paint handling, Marvin creates cherished heirlooms that reveal the true spirit of his subjects. Whether you wish to honor a beloved family member, recognize a momentous career achievement, or give that special someone a truly incomparable gift, Marvin can create an extraordinary and unique work of art just for you.

Marvin is a portrait painter who has been creating award winning realism for over thirty years. He is a consummate professional whose portrait paintings meld his great passion for painting with his fascination for the human spirit. His portrait painting, Sylvia at Seventeen, is a perfect example of a modern master of classical realism integrating a contemporary aesthetic with a classical painting sensibility, and creating a truly timeless work of art. Marvin employs fine craftsmanship and a sensitive eye to convey the inner essence of his subjects, eschewing the all-too-common pastiche of excessively vigorous brushwork and garish color.

Marvin’s award winning museum quality oil portraits are sought by collectors worldwide. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City owns an original and ten of his paintings are 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 awards selected from thousands of entries.

Selecting the best portrait painter for your commission is an important decision since you will be living with your choice for many years. Marvin's portrait paintings appeal to the most discerning clients. His credo, that his next painting be his best, keeps him constantly striving to reach even greater artistic heights.


Since a portrait is ultimately a collaboration between an artist and his client, the importance of clear communication is tantamount, therefore Marvin prefers to work directly with you, in order to insure that your expectations will be fulfilled, if not surpassed. For further information on commissioning a portrait of a loved one or an important member of your organization, please contact portrait artist Marvin Mattelson.



Portrait Painting, Figure Painting & Drawing Workshops and Classes

In addition to 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 gratuitous effects, he focuses on the most effective approach for creating realistic imagry 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.

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 like 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.


Summer • 2009 New York City • Workshop Schedule @ SVA:

The following workshops are scheduled to run at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Registration is now in progress. Please sign up early to ensure participation. Affordable dorm rooms are also available on a first come basis. Please contact the Department of Continuing Education at 212-592-2050 or e-mail them at ce@sva.edu. You can also register online.


Classical Realism: Portrait Drawing: 6-Day Workshop • Course # FDC-2338-A
Monday July 27 through Saturday Aug 1 • 10am – 5pm • Tuition $750

Classical Realism: Portrait Painting in Oil: 12-Day Workshop • Course # FDC-2348-A
Monday August 3 through Saturday August 15 • 10am – 5pm • Tuition $1500


Summer • 2009 Atlanta • Workshop Schedule @ Binders:

Atlanta GA: 12 Day July 2009 Portrait Painting Workshop
Marvin will be leading a Realistic Portrait Painting Workshop at Binders Art Supplies and Frames. The workshop will run from Monday July 6 - Saturday July 18
• 10am – 5pm. Please call Kristy Breneman at 404.237.6331 Ext. 203 or e-mail her at kristina@bindersart.com to for further information.


Fall 2009 NYC Continuing Education @ the School of Visual Arts
Oil Portrait Painting & Oil Figure Painting Class Schedule:

New York City • Oil Portrait and Figure Painting Classes • Fall 2009
Marvin will be teaching two twelve session life painting classes at the School of Visual Arts for the Fall 2009 semester. Registration date to be announced.
For further information now, please contact Marvin Mattelson.

12 Fridays:
Realistic Figure and Portrait Painting • FPC-2010-A
First Class: Friday, Sept. 25 • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

12 Saturdays:
Realistic Figure and Portrait Painting • FPC-2010-B
First Class: Saturday, Sept. 26 • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.


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