Portrait of the Artist, Gerard Bianco — A Combined Effort by Artists, Richard Whitney and Gerard Bianco
Welcome! I’d like to tell you a little story behind the rather unusual portrait pictured above. Many years ago, I had the privilege of sitting for a painting demonstration by the celebrated portrait artist Richard Whitney . The event was sponsored by the Metropolitan Portrait Society and held at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City. Because it was a live demonstration, Richard painted only what time allowed—my head and a suggestion of a collar. And while I was honored to be the model, I was left with a portrait that felt… unfinished. It lingered in that state for years. Eventually, I decided to resolve it myself. At first, I sketched in a traditional suit and tie. Respectable, certainly—but uninspired. Then I thought, why not have a little fun? Why not step beyond the ordinary and paint myself in costume? The question became: which costume? The answer arrived unexpectedly. Just last week, while visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art , I came upon a portrait date...