Allan R. Banks is a well respected artist with art collectors,  dealers  and among his peers.  His early training is impressive alone working under such artists as Richard F. Lack and later  R H Ives Gammell of Boston.  His work has been part of several museum tour exhibitions with the Classical Realism movement, which he was later to serve as President  for seven years. Among his early awards he was recipient of the John F. And Anna Stacy award and the prestigious Elizabeth T Greenshields fellowship for two years.  As a fine artist nurtured in the traditions of  the atelier/studio methodology  he takes great pride as an accomplished artist first  and foremost.  Portrait painting is the natural extension therein and better serves the design challenges of portraiture.  His figurative compositions can be seen at REHS Galleries, NYC.  A comprehensive book is currently underway on his paintings.  The portrait painting process is an exciting opportunity  for the subject. and the artist.  Allan works to make the portrait as much a work of art as it is a likeness.

Allan is a native of Dearborn Michigan and was prodigious from an early age in the arts including sales of his pictures from that early period.  As an enthusiastic advocate of fine painting particularly of  19th century artists he was often a leader in championing their cause.  His interviews can be read in several magazine articles including Cigar Aficionado, American Artist Magazine and many others.  He is a listed artist with sales at Sotheby's auction galleries and frequently sought after for business and art groups for opinions and guidance.  He has also been a founding member and adviser to several organizations including the Art Renewal Center see: www.artrenewal.org  and as Vice-chairman for the American Society of Portrait artists and guest panelist for the Portrait Society of America, and others. At Vose galleries, Boston his work  was part of the Mentors and Prodigy's Exhibition. A published series of his works debuted from the UK as open edition posters and remain popular today among print galleries internationally.      

Testimonials:


"He is one of the best if not THE best, out-of-door figure painters using natural color.  It's
important to  understand the tradition he comes from, and how very few people are
accomplished in that area."     (excerpt; Tampa Tribune article on Allan Banks)

Richard F Lack
American Artist, Author and Atelier master

             "Allan ,  I just had to write you a note.  (viewing A 19th century Drawing Collection) 
             Some (drawings) by Pils, Orsel and Lhermitte were pretty good. 
             Your drawing, of a girl holding a violin was in my opinion, the best of the drawings he showed
             us, very beautiful and sensitive, a great job!  I have to say I was filled with admiration and
             pride that I knew you."                 

              Stephen Gjertson, Artist, Author and Educator



                "Your portrait (of our children) is still my favorite of the commissions we had done."
                   
                 John Sall  SAS INSTITUTE





             "Banks' own works show his technical prowess in characterizing the human figure as well 
               as  in  a keen sensitivity for recording the evanescent quality of atmosphere and outdoor light.
              His skillfully wrought canvases mark him not only as a talented craftsman, but a link in the
              great chain of naturalist painters."

              American Artist magazine, August 1987


                           


                               A Classical Realist Master: Allan R. Banks, see REHS GALLERIES

 









BANKS STUDIOS, LLC
PO BOX 233
SAFETY HARBOR, FL  USA
34695
727 726 5555
Fax: 727 726 5565
contact via email:
allanrbanks@gmail.com

Thoughts on Portraiture:

"Portraits have been the way we are able to glimpse our distant past, view historical figures
and  events over the centuries.  The skills and techniques also evolved  to the point
that  naturalism of the individual became quite convincing.

As the portrait artist sought ways to record  likenesses something else was put into
play, fine craftsmanship.   The 'means' by which we see the image and not just recorded facts.

It is the fine art in portraiture that moves us displaying the artist's individual skill and style.
With the advent of photography, the tedious duty  of artists merely recording features changed allowing for greater  freedom of expression.  Contrary to the notion of competing with the camera's lens. 

As Richard Lack has stated,
"the artist is many things;  Craftsman, director, editor, colorist, draftsman, originator, story teller and poet in one person":   A true Artist. 

Some of the greatest names of the portrait trade include Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas Lawrence and Gainsborough along with the great painter of George Washington, Gilbert Stuart. 
John Singer Sargent, Boldini, Kroyer, Sorolla are among the greats of more modern times,
to highlight just a few.

The reemergence of the portrait trade in the later 20th century has given collectors and art lovers a chance to be excited again about  this art form in the 21st century.  Shedding the serendipity of the 'modern art movement'  to the catacombs... from whence it came. 

Portrait painting has led the way in the current  surge of Art appreciation and is the better because of it.  Time to get excited all over again!"

Allan Banks












ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  ALLAN R BANKS 2008