I am an American portrait artist living in Switzerland. I have been drawing portraits ever since I can remember. The fascinating human face is my favorite subject, and being a mother has just added to the joy of watching faces and all the ways which they express personality.
I have been using artist’s colored pencils for over twenty-five years now, and I revel in the medium’s versatility. Sometimes people think my pencil portraits are painted when they first see them in my studio. They are drawn with very sharp pencils and it takes me months to do a complex portrait with an environment, like the ones in “The Thayer Street Project.” I work patiently and steadily, and can use the pencils to evoke concrete, brick, fur, skin, hair, glass, neon, chrome, shiny paint, and more. Mixed with the painstakingly drawn details are joyful scribbled areas. The more scribble, the more fun for me. Get up close and you will see the swirl of my strokes, with layers of color criss-crossing one another. Step back and it all synthesizes into a breathing portrait.
Among my favorite artists are the Flemish Primitives, particularly David Campin, Rogier Van Der Weyden, and Jan Van Eyck. I admire the stillness of their paintings and how this stillness evokes a moment frozen in eternity. I love the individuality of the pencil portraits by Ingres, and the vivacity of portraits by Sargent. I also very much admire Harvey Dinnerstein’s portraits from the 70s, and the way he captured details of contemporary dress, hair, and make-up.
My newest work is in oil.
I am currently looking for a gallery to represent me and my artwork. If you are a gallery director or are interested in commissioning a portrait, you may contact me at efcurtin@gmail.com I would be happy to send you more information.
Instagram: @bethcurtinart