From "The Curry Coastal Pilot" - Dec 9, 2006 BROOKINGS ARTIST JURIED INTO WEB SITE Brookings artist Kevin Roeckl has been accepted into “A Stroke of Genius” (SOG), a highly respected website that showcases more than 100 top-level Fine Art portrait artists. “This site includes some of the finest portrait artists in the world,” explains Roeckl, a professional artist who has been painting portraits since he was 15 years old. “These are the artists who paint the official portraits of presidents and kings.” In addition to royalty, SOG artists portray judges, CEO’s, and important figures in the entertainment industry, as well as private and family portraits. Roeckl is one of only two artists listed for the state of Oregon on “A Stroke of Genius”. Acceptance into SOG is through a jurying process. Artists are evaluated on their professionalism, and the artistic maturity that comes from years spent studying and perfecting their skill. According to Roeckl, “A gifted portrait artist does more than just paint a good likeness. He brings out the unique beauty of the individual, as seen through the eyes of those who love him or her. For instance, when I look at my mother, I don’t see an old lady with grey hair, I see a beautiful woman who is always graceful, always a lady. I see the sparkle in her eyes and the sweetness in her smile. A really talented portrait artist captures that.” Roeckl’s 28-year career in Fine Art includes 15 years in West Coast galleries, exhibitions by invitation at national dog shows, and publication on magazine covers. His photorealistic, yet highly creative, style has brought him portrait commissions from all parts of the U.S. Brookings residents may recognize Kevin for his local dog-training activities, an interest that grew out of his many portraits of purebred dogs, he said. “A Stroke of Genius” is the top site that showcases portrait artists. In business since 1996, the site averages 120,000 visitors each month. Visit SOG at http://portraitartist.com.