Portrait artist to share insights May 24 in talk at library

Wantage - Portrait artist Peter Ambush, who has drawn the faces of hundreds of Broadway, television and movie greats, will give give insights into his craft during a talk at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at the Sussex-Wantage Branch Library, 69 Rte. 639, in Wantage. The lecture will be held in connection with Ambush’s exhibit at the library, titled, “The Many Faces of Peter Ambush.” Ambush, a resident of Newton, will offer attendees a glimpse into how he prepares to paint each portrait, and the nuances he sees in each of his subjects. Based on those subtleties, he decides which aspect of the celebrity to emphasize in each portrait. While creating his portraits, he tries to tap into the individual’s character and spirit, and convey that individual’s unique qualities and characteristics in the portrait. Those attending will see many of Ambush’s portraits on display at the library, including Alfred Hitchcock, Henry Winkler (as Fonzie), Calista Flockhart (as Ally McBeal), Ricky Nelson, nighttime host Carson Daly, TV legends Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke. Ambush, who grew up in Frederick, Md., earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art, specializing in illustration and graphic design. He also studied at du Cret School of the Arts in Plainfield, where he now teaches. “The Many Faces of Peter Ambush” can be seen during library hours, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Preregistration is requested for the May 24 talk. To preregister, call 973-875-3940.