First, I'd like to thank those of you who have written nice things about the painting. I'd also like to thank those of you who may not like the painting and have refrained from telling me so. :)

Chris,

The primary background colors were based on Gamblin's Asphaltum and Gamblin's Transparent Earth Red. I'm sure there were lots of other colors in there too, but I don't remember offhand.

Photography of paintings is deceptive, of course, and really doesn't show a lot of important information for us. The background is actually full of textured paint, smooth paint, transparent passages and opaque paint. I used a knife as well as a brush. Large flat passages can be as difficult and challenging as drapery.

Mike,

I always enjoy and appreciate the things you write on this Forum. The canvas is Utrecht 66J and I carefully primed it myself; it's stretched on Utrecht heavy duty stretcher bars and attached with copper coated tacks. The size is 36" x 28".

Bill,

A glorious painting! The dress is handled like a Lord Leighton. A classic.

Peggy

What more could possibly be said about such an incredible painting!

WOW!!!!!!

Mary Reilly

William,

I just printed out the close-up of the face to pin up in my studio, to remind me of what I aspire to! Thank you for posting it and inspiring me once again.

Awesome painting!! I know you may hear this often, but I have mentioned to others how you are one of, if not the most, favorite artists I have found online.

I simply love your work. This painting only serves to strengthen my feelings concerning your art.

Again, this is awesome,
Mark

Bill,

Is this painting for sale? Have you had any offers?

May I say, she looks so real.

Rochelle,

The painting sold a few weeks ago.

Bill

Bill,

Did you use the "billion tiny paint strokes" here? After seeing that on your website in the painting demonstrations section, I wondered if you do that a lot.