Apotheoun (Tom Livezey at Eleven)

[Chris Saper]

Dear Garth,

I am not sure where to start in conveying my reaction to this painting. First, I find (again) the composition to be original and daring, and completely, to my view, satisfying. Your ability to understate, yet beautifully depict, the subtlest of color, value and edge transitions is completely delightful. And wow , the reflected light and color on the boy's torso -

When you get a chance, would you post some close-ups and some extreme close-ups?

[Garth Herrick]

WOW Chris,

Thanks so much! I wish I had extreme-close-ups, but unfortunately I was in such a hurry to deliver the painting, that I only shot a few general pictures like those above. I will attempt to shoot some more at the show opening later today.

Actually, the closer you get to the painting, the more it appears as a blurred image. The canvas texture is the only giveaway that a photo of the paint surface is in focus. Maintaining a soft rendering, and not getting pulled into all the nit-picky detail of the photo, was the toughest part for me. I repainted everything over and over until it began to look about right, with just a slight understatement, if possible. Sometimes the less said (in paint) about a nuance, the better.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Beautiful!

[Michele Rushworth]

Thanks for reminding me just how high the bar is that I'm aiming for. Makes me want to go up into the studio right now and get back to work!

[Garth Herrick]

Geez Michele, That is exactly the reaction I had about this forum when I started this painting. I was quite intimidated by the height of the bar myself!

[Jean Kelly]

Garth, I'm looking forward to the close-ups.

Jean

[Allan Rahbek]

Congratulation, this is really a fine example on how to subordinate values to the "Big Picture".

I recognize it as a detail from your "Apotheosis of the Chunnel"
You just proved that photos can be used, unless you have an extremely long memery for color.

Allan

[Holly Snyder]

Garth,

I love your original composition, and it is so well painted. I would love to see closeups of the forms of the bodies, they're rendered so beautifully. It is a treat to look at!