Aaron April’s artistic exploration extended to the realm of portraits, where he captured not just the likeness of individuals, but also their essence. These works are often grouped among his “quite realistic or relatively realistic works with understandable plot,” offering viewers a direct engagement with his subjects.

Among his portraiture are intimate depictions of his relatives, revealing a personal connection to his subjects. His esteemed colleague and friend, the Russian painter Dmitry Zhilinsky, specifically lauded April’s portraits, recognizing their unique quality. While aiming for verisimilitude, April’s approach to portraiture transcended mere external appearance. He employed a distinctive method of “seeing from within” his subjects, striving to reveal something fundamental and characteristic about them. This inward gaze allowed his portraits to become more than just representations; they became profound insights into the human spirit.