Mint Hill Arts invites everyone interested in painting in general and portrait-painting in particular to enjoy and learn at its March monthly program titled, “The Art and Joy of Portrait Painting.”

The lecture/demonstration will be presented by Elisabeth W. “Beth”Harvey, who says she “hopes to inspire you to attempt some portraits!”  She will talk about why she loves to paint portraits and will demonstrate some of the techniques and tricks she has learned through much trial and error.

Examples include choosing the best palette for skin colors, especially the shadows on skin; and beginning a painting by laying out all of the major areas of light and dark.  She will explain what makes a portrait look like a young child and not an older child or young woman.  Beth is a self-taught artist with a passion for painting portraits, especially of children.  She has been painting with oils for over 40 years.

Harvey majored in English, but she did take one painting class that revolutionized her painting.  The professor was known as a supreme colorist in the Impressionist style.  Since that class over 40 years ago Beth has painted hundreds of paintings, learning a little more with each piece of work.

The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Mint Hill Arts Gallery at 11025 Lawyers Road in Mint Hill.  The public is invited and the lecture is free, so mark your calendars to attend.