Acclaimed Australian artists Clifton Pugh, William Dargie, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Jon Molvig and Andrew Sibley discuss their approach to portraiture in Painting People, providing an insight into the unique challenges that face a portrait painter. Through examples of their work and the work of other eminent painters such as Augustus Earle, Sir John Longstaff, George Lambert and Max Meldrum, a study is made of Australian portraiture from early colonial days until the 1960s. The film also looks at the establishment of the Archibald Prize and the National Gallery School in Melbourne. There is insight too into the subjects of portraits, with painter Margaret Olley appearing in the film as a sitter for a portrait and Clifton Pugh reflecting on the difficulties facing his wife Marlene as a painter and mother. A National Film Board Production. Produced by the Commonwealth Film Unit. Copyright - 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.Producer: Malcolm Otton Director: Tim Burstall Writer: Tim Burstall DOP/Cinematographer: Bruce Hillyard Narrator/Presenter: Brian James Featured People: Clifton Pugh, William Dargie, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Jon Molvig, Andrew Sibley, Alan McCulloch.