"They [Becca Bernstein and Gwenn Seemel] shared an ability to see their portrait models as more than just flesh and figure." - Margie Boulé, The Oregonian, 2010.


"Their blind collaboration captures the subjectivity involved inportraiture, battling its reputation as a mere act of replication, alesser form of photography." - Portland Mercury, 2010 (Visual Arts Readers' Pick)

“Bernstein [is] fantastically talented." -Willamette Week, 2008. (Selected as October WW Pick)

"Her portraits of craggy-featured women have an earnest passion. Bernstein… accentuates the lines and shadows of these faces ranging from joy to quiet sadness, almost creating a sculptural look. Looking at these paintings, the viewer feels that each one of these women has surely experienced most of life’s varied heights and swift turns.” –D.K. Row, The Oregonian, 2006.

"Few public art subjects have stirred as many viewer comments as [Bernstein's] "Once Was Hazelia," the painting found on the left side of the Lake Oswego City Hall entrance... Her older subjects are lively and inspiring; the lined faces are fascinating and offer a new definition of what is beautiful." - Jean Davis, Lake Oswego Review, 2009. 

“Becca Bernstein peeks through a keyhole to explore the question of what makes a life unique and singular." - Jewish Review, 2008.

"Not exclusively portraits themselves, the [Keyhole] Miniatures serve as a reminder of the small, familiar objects that make up as much of a person's personality as the lines in a smile or the expression in a pair of eyes... There was a buzz around Bernstein's work." - Daily Vanguard, 2008.

"[Bernstein’s] exhibit… honestly and dramatically captures the faces of the men and boys who live and work in Glenelg, a small, remote village in the Western Scottish Highlands.” –Jewish Review, 2007.

“As an artist, Bernstein draws inspiration from the mystery and wisdom she sees in the faces of elderly women.” –The Chronicle, 2006.

“[Becca Bernstein] is an accomplished and locally renowned artist… She is enthralled with character-filled faces, usually close-up with interesting expressions and unusual compositions.” –Mid County Memo, 2006.

“Becca Bernstein is a painter and a humanist who redefines the art of portrait, expressing the intimate personality of her models beyond their physical appearance.” –Galerie d’Art Sylvie Platini, 2005.

“Becca continues to push her formidable talent as she explores new ways of portraying life experiences.” –Portland Open Studios, 2005.

“Her recent images… lend rich texture and powerful metaphor to Bernstein’s highly expressive realism.” –Jewish Review, 2005.

 “Some exciting new additions this year include… Becca Bernstein’s compelling portraits of old women.” –PDX Magazine, 2005.

“As an artist, her goals go beyond painting an aesthetically pleasing likeness of her subjects; she paints to reveal their lives. Applying her formidable talent and insight, the artist dramatically chronicles the life experience etched on the face of every woman she portrays. Joy, tragedy, humor, perseverance, irony, and hope, all are there to see.” –Phoenix Gallery, 2004.