what is a portrait?

Linda Nochlin and Daisy by Alice Neel
This painting represents portrait by the woman and child sitting on the couch looking like they are posing. The artists uses a lot of highlights and shadows to accentuate the lighting in the room.
Self-Portrait by Chuck Close
This painting is made up of a lot of little pieces which brings all of the attention to the face when it is looked at from a far view. The colors in each piece create the aspect of the portrait.


Diego on my mind by Frida Kahlo
This painting brings attention to the face because of the head on her forehead. The face makes it seem like there's something more to the painting than just her. Also the textures in her face structure gives her more emotion.

The artists express the concept of portrait by representing themselves or other people how they would most want to be seen. This includes the way they are sitting, their face expressions, objects , lighting , mood, setting, and more. Artists like Chuck Close look like they are reinventing a concept of portrait instead of working within the tradition of portrait making. Alice Neel's painting looks more traditional, even though she gives it her own style.