Living as we do in a world where self-exposure is applauded and narcissism rules — and where both might offer up surprising monetary rewards — it should not surprise us that increasing numbers of painters who might only consider portraiture a last resort, not only turn to it at portrait prize time, but choose to paint some ephemeral celebrity or sporting hero — or even themselves.

To read more of this item and others, subscribe now or simply order Issue 19 of aAR by clicking here.