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Portraits were not just a popular genre in the early days of this nation; they were among the only art that patrons would pay for. As a result, many American artists went abroad, hoping to test their abilities on juicier subjects, like allegorical or historical epics. But portraiture has remained an important American genre, something that can serve as a springboard to larger ideas. This is evident in some of the works in ''American Portraits: Treasures From the Parrish Art Museum'' in Southampton. Rather than proceeding chronologically, the exhibition moves through the human life cycle, a tack that feels appropriate for portraiture. The show also emphasizes the importance of a sense of place -- something that can get lost in the white-wall art space of a museum or gallery -- by featuring lots of local landscapes and East End artists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]