What a dear, tender little face.

Dear Elizabeth, Heidi, Mary, and Sharon,

Thank you so much for your kind words and compliments!

Heidi: You are right. There will always be more things to improve and rework in my paintings. This one had a deadline, so it had an end to all the endless adjustments.

Garth

Garth, this is gorgeous. One of your masterpieces!

Thanks Josef,

You have made my day!

Garth

Garth,

I particularly like your choice of clothing with an almost classic pose, this portrait is both timeless and contemporary!

Jean

Garth, I'd like to add my compliments to the queue. You have definitely captured the essence of a 13 year old.

Your painting makes me want to see if I can coax a smile out of her. (But I know I can't - because it's not "cool" to seem too happy...)

Wonderful job. :thumbsup:

Thanks Jean, and Cindy!

Jean: Clothes were definitely an issue with this portrait. I was half completed on a first version of this portrait when I realized that I would have to abandon it, mostly due to Laura's outfit! She had on a baggy oversize dark green tee shirt, and bleached and well worn jeans. Her grandparents were evidently displeased with the ultra casual look, and insisted on dressy slacks and elegant top (like they had sent for Christmas). For this second version, Laura was already wearing a sharp looking pair of new jeans, which I liked better. I was not sure about this olive knit top presented on the hanger, but when she put it on I said WOW, that's it! Everyone was happy in the end, with this combo. I have to admit this current version of dress is much better, and flattering than the first version.

Cindy: Thanks! Your insight means a lot to me. Laura smiled quite a lot at her unveiling, though.

Garth

Garth,

I loved the painting of Iona and her dog and now this one following is just as soft and beautifully painted.

I'm not sure what I admire most when I start trying to figure out why your paintings appeal so much to me (and it looks like the whole world of painters here too!). Is it the perfect way you handle values? Is it the way the colors meld together and separate just at the right point? Or is it your talented drawing skills and the talent you have for capturing the person inside?

It is so inspiring to look at your work - but I need to see it in person sometime too. I hope these people hang this portrait somewhere in their home where everyone will see it as they enter the house.



ps - I think your photos of your paintings are pretty good! :)

Sincerely,

Denise

WOW Denise,

You have given me high praise indeed! What a nice reply to wake up to.

Getting the values to make visual sense is something I tend to work hard at. I don't know if my drawing ability is anything special, but the nice thing about painting is that it is always possible to make corrections and revisions throughout the process. Painting is a balancing act. I may repaint and rework all the relationships several times before everything appears to click together.

I'm still in the trial and error stage of getting the right representative reproductions to post of my paintings in the Forum. Often, as in this portrait's case, I need to rework my posted images a little in Photoshop (to adjust levels and saturation), and then repost them.

With appreciation,

Garth

Hi Garth,

Denise told me that I just HAD to look at your new masterpiece.... My jaw is still on the floor! :thumbsup: Do you sleep at all!?

The skin tones are flawless. I most admire your ability to paint detail without getting too tight or looking overworked. I am in awe of those fingernails! You've managed to acheive realism with fresh, loose, textured brushstrokes. Bravo!

I agree that you should have a website.... Cynthia?

take care,

Renee