Arianna and Taylor

[Linda Brandon]

Garth, I've been looking at this painting and the closeups for the past ten minutes and this is so very beautifully painted. The edges are extraordinary and you are brilliant at depicting the textures of all of these surfaces. These dresses float.

Now that I've seen quite a few of your paintings, I have to add that what is incredibly impressive to me is the way you can adjust your style to suit the sensitivity of each painting. My hat goes off to you.

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Mary, Terri, Pat, David, Jimmie, Richard, and Linda,

You are my early-bird friends! I am overwhelmed, even floating on the ceiling as I awake to your kind praises! Too much at once! I am surprised because I was reallly getting kind tired of looking at this painting every day. Not that one can truly overdose on pretty girls though!

Mary: If you can convince me I have things to teach you may cause a paradigm shift in me. Thanks for your early feedback and help.

Terri: You threw that bar up out of sight with your recent commissions. Don't blame me! I am in awe of your improvement. Thank you too for early feedback and help during the recent shutdown. You made a quality difference in this painting's finish.

Pat: Thanks! I have lost track of the hours. Too many!

David: Thanks (I think). Well at least I am still living, but there's still much to master.

Jimmie: Thanks! You know I keep returning to your many many captivating portraits of real women. Inspiring!

Richard: Thanks. Don't worry, my feet are back on the cold ground. I have been a value control freak though. Sometimes the value nuances are more sensitively subtle than I can capture. I'm learning.

Linda: Thanks for your compliment! These paintings do seem to take their individual course. I feared I posted too many close-ups, but there is just so much going on in this portrait. Don't lose your hat!

Garth

[Heidi Maiers]

If there's room for one more wow here, I'll try to squeeze this one in.
WOWY WOW
The mother's shoes are a perfect addition to this piece.
Such a gift to be able to view your work here Garth. Seeing it live - now that would really be something special.

[Julie Deane]

What can I add to what has already been said, Garth? Thank you for sharing this. It is so beautifully done!

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Heidi Maiers

The mother's shoes are a perfect addition to this piece.
....... Seeing it live - now that would really be something special.

Dear Heidi,

Thank you so much for your kudos. The girls' mother has many wonderful dress-up shoes that are perfect for their play fantasies.

Thanks for wanting to see this live; it's in a private collection though.

Garth

[Tony Pro]

Garth

Great Work! Superior draftsmanship!

Keep posting more stuff!!!
Tony

[Eric Braks]

Garth, your work is so unique. A wonderful blend of traditional and modern in presentation. I can only wonder at your humility. Jewels every time. Thanks.
Regards -eric.

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Tony Pro

Garth

Great Work! Superior draftsmanship!

Keep posting more stuff!!!
Tony

Thanks Tony,

I see you as quite the inspired and inspiring draftsman, in a direct and painterly way. and I always look forward to your posts.

Garth

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Garth, this is a stunning painting,masterly painted, designed,devised.
Your technique is perfect!
I have a few questions for you on the reasons of your choices.

What are the reasons for you to choose such an unconventional pose?
I find that this painting is not anymore about the girls individually but more about their relationship. The viewer becomes an amused spectator of this moment and is sucked into the delightful atmosphere, but in a sense he/she is not involved, not invited or confronted by the eyes of the models.
Do you consider this a portrait or a figurative piece? Is it a commission or a piece that will be on sale?
Sorry for being so curious, I would love to paint more family groups, but always end up by having to do all the kids separately and miss out a lot of fun!
With respect and affection
Ilaria

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco

Garth, (.....)
I have a few questions for you on the reasons of your choices.

Dear Ilaria,

Thank you so much for your kind thoughtful words! I will address your questions which are all good ones.

What are the reasons for you to choose such an unconventional pose?

Ilaria, the mother of these two beautiful girls insisted on this unexpected image which occurred during the initial photo shoot for the portrait. While she wished the eyes were showing (they both have huge warm brown eyes), the moment of interaction was paramount to her. We jointly agreed this would be a powerful thing to capture in paint.

I find that this painting is not anymore about the girls individually but more about their relationship. The viewer becomes an amused spectator of this moment and is sucked into the delightful atmosphere, but in a sense he/she is not involved, not invited or confronted by the eyes of the models.

The relationship is the theme of this portrait. These fortunate girls were both adopted by wonderful and generous parents and so have become sisters for life.

Do you consider this a portrait or a figurative piece? Is it a commission or a piece that will be on sale?
Sorry for being so curious, I would love to paint more family groups, but always end up by having to do all the kids separately and miss out a lot of fun!
With respect and affection
Ilaria

Since this is in fact a commissioned portrait, I have placed it in this portrait unveiling section, although I will admit it has a figurative quality and theme about it. My definition of portraiture may be a broad one, but this piece is clearly about representing the life, relationship and personality of two specific individuals, and so it qualifies as a portrait to me.

Thanks sincerely,

Garth