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that it makes the viewer wonder how a human hand could be capable of such precision.
Pretty amazing accomplishments for a man who in college got an F in painting. “It wasn’t until after college, when I decided to go to graduate school that I really got focused,” explained Bittinker.
At that time, he studied under William Woodward, preeminent Washington artist and Fauquier County resident. “Bill Woodward had the greatest influence on me,” said Bittinger.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1988 with a master of fine arts in painting, Bittinger studied portrait painting with Daniel Greene and John Howard Sanden. The original idea of graduate school, Bittinger explained, was to have the backup of teaching if he couldn't make a living as an artist.
However, making a living at his craft has never presented a problem for Bittinger. Early in his career, he was commissioned by Montgomery County Public Schools to a series of paintings, 11 feet by six feet, depicting children studying math, reading books and engaging themselves in other typical school activities.
This particular series of paintings have a certain whimsical quality which has reappeared in some of his most recent work for a children’s book he wrote and illustrated. Images blur gently into the background, objects become translucent creating an unreal, almost mystical effect to the work.
“I am very disciplined in much of my work,” said Bittinger, “the portrait work particularly. However, sometimes I feel the need to delve into my wierd imagination," he laughed.
Bittinger said that he works with his portrait subjects carefully along the way. “It is a collaborative effort," said. Bittinger, “between me and the sitter."
In 1986, Bittinger did a “workman series,” which was shown at the Capricorn Gallery in Bethesda, Md. One painting of the series, “Man Drilling,” won special recognition from The Artist Magazine in 1989.
Among hi* other subjects along the way have been women roller skaters, umbrellas, boots and a number of other everyday items painted in such a way that they, take on a special aura and an unusual presence of their own.
Bittinger’s recent series came about in the process of writing a children’s book, “Under Laura’s Bed." The series of paintings accompanying the book, depicting childhood fantasy and fear, has enormous charm and warmth.
Bittinger has received national attention for his work, as the winner in the
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