Harvard University
“I was anxious about the process involved in creating the portrait before I began sitting for Kim Gorrasi, but the sittings turned out to be a marvelously human experience. I got a chance to talk about those things in my work and life that matter most, and in some marginal way, Kim transferred their meaning onto the canvas. A thrilling experience!”
-Dr. Arthur Kleinman
Professor, Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Bentley University
“To create the posthumous portrait of Norman and Lida Smith, for whom the Bentley University Smith Academic Technology Center is named, “Bentley engaged Kim’s artistic talent and the family provided several photos of this couple over the years. Kim created a unique and beautiful portrait that wonderfully captured the essence of their life in the Maine countryside. The portrait proudly hangs in the foyer of the Smith Academic Center.”
-Aaron J. Nurick, Ph.D.
Professor of Management and Psychology, Bentley University
Waltham, MA
Copley Society of Art, Boston
“Kim Gorrasi led an incredible 3-day workshop at our art gallery this past weekend. She broke down the daunting task of painting a portrait into manageable pieces, giving one-on-one instruction to each participant as they needed. She went above and beyond getting to know her participants and models, making for a truly individualized experience. We can't wait to have Gorrasi back to teach another workshop!"
-Odelia Forman
Gallery Coordinator, Copley Society of Art
Boston, MA
“Kim Gorrasi’s live portrait painting demonstration at the Copley Society of Art was an enlightening and engaging experience. Gorrasi thoughtfully answered all of the audience’s questions while demonstrating her extensive academic training and impressive technical skills. We look forward to hosting more demos with her in the near future.”
-Paige Roehrig
Gallery Coordinator, Copley Society of Art
Boston, MA
Van Sotir Christo
“You said the framed portrait of Van was glorious. It is that and more. It entered my heart in a way I never imagined possible. When I saw it, the searing pain of loss I had buried so deeply began to leave me, replaced by the glorious gift you have. Thank you.”
-Jane Christo
Wife of the late Van Sotir Christo, U.S. Honorary Consul of Albania
and founder of the Van Christo Radio Theater
Arts Wayland
“Arts Wayland was so thrilled to have Kim provide a Portraiture Demo for our members. Kim was so engaging with the audience and her warmth and enthusiasm sparked great questions and comments from those in attendance. Kim’s amazing ability to describe and demonstrate her process so clearly as well as her impressive artistic talent resulted in a delightful 2-hour session that was so worthwhile. It was so inspiring and instructive to watch her portrait of our well-loved board member come alive! We hope to invite her back for a portraiture workshop and to serve as a juror for one of our exhibits. Thank you, Kim!!”
-Judith Stein
President and Co-Chair Exhibitions, Arts Wayland
Wayland, MA
The Danvers Art Association
“Sitting for you as a model was fun and very much a pleasure. Watching from the back side of the canvas, I can tell you that you were connecting with the audience with every well-articulated description and benefit resulting from various techniques. They were in awe as each step transformed me into a ‘portrait in progress.’ Your articulate and detailed explanations, trimmed with a lovely personable demeanor, were also transforming your audience. It was clear that learning was in the air; improving their own artistic interpretations, talents, ideas, and skills!”
-Jimmie Morrocco
Demo Model and Artist Member, The Danvers Art Association
Danvers, MA
Franklin Art Association
“Kim’s portrait drawing at a recent Franklin Art Association meeting demonstrated the preliminary measuring and experienced approach needed to get a real ‘likeness’ necessary in rendering portraits. The final oil portrait of a member of the FAA Board was true to her image; capturing subtle facial features for a sensitive, recognizable image. The group learned much from Kim’s patient approach and she gave us helpful information from her long art experience”
-Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau
Secretary, Franklin Art Association
Franklin, MA
“Kim has the credentials the Franklin Art Association looks for when selecting an artist for our monthly demos. She brought all the professional equipment necessary for doing an oil portrait demonstration. During her one hour of allotted time she demonstrated each step, achieving a very accurate likeness of our FAA Vice President, putting the final touches on later in her studio. Her technical knowledge, working method, clear explanations and friendly disposition made for a very informative demonstration.”
-Joseph Mueller
Treasurer, Franklin Art Association
Franklin, MA
Weymouth Art Association
“Kim’s expertise and credentials attracted the largest audience at the Weymouth Art Association demonstration meeting. She demonstrated the methodical process to create a realistic portrait sketch. The resulting drawing was a successful likeness of the model. Everyone was fascinated and impressed with her educational portrait demonstration.”
-Kathleen Hunt
President, Weymouth Art Association
Weymouth, MA
Workshop Student
“It was my privilege to attend a portrait workshop with Kim Gorrasi at Copley Society in Boston this Spring. Kim gave us personal attention and encouragement throughout the workshop and took us step by step throughout the process. She is extremely generous with her time and expertise and is an amazing artist. I loved her demos and instruction on how to prepare our palettes. Thank you, Kim, for everything! Can’t wait to put all I’ve learned to use!”
-Martha Little Fuentes
Workshop student
