Thanks Garth,
the adoption detail sheds a whole new light on it.
Many many compliments again
I.

A clearer image:
 

I just improved and sharpened the posted image. It shows the level of detail a bit clearer than before. Thanks for viewing!

Garth

Hi Jean,

Thanks for your kindness. I know what you mean about looking and trying to learn from the looking, but just being confounded by loveliness. It happens to me all the time.

This is my first ever white dress genre painting. I am glad it comes accross as atypical and inspiring.

Garth

Well Chris, I was worried because it's such a busy painting with so much going on. Thanks for helping to reassure me I haven't exceeded the limit.

Garth

Hey Janel,

I like your jammie treat of an idea too. I actually envisioned doing just what you wished with this painting, showing it in progress. I actually took a few initial shots of the beginning, but then as so often can happen, I lost my way and struggled a bit. This is actually the second start to this painting. There is another half completed canvas discarded and relegated to a dark corner of my studio because I was not happy with it. It actually was not as bad a false start as I thought, though and maybe I should rework it toward a finish too. But I have a few other jobs to do first. Thanks for your encouragement of this painting in progress idea.

Garth

Thanks Mike,

I generally will patiently wait, watch and observe what a sitter will naturally assume in a pose. This can be compelling as you say, and very insightful as a way to reveal the sitter's personality. Not all spontaneous photographic moments seem adaptable to painted portraits however. Some actions can seem too extreme and implausible as a painted record. There is underlying truth to the teachings that a portrait pose should be that which can be held and assumed without strain for a length of time by the sitter. However, in analysing the case of this painting's references, the mere fact that the girls are seated adds just about sufficient stability to anchor their activity and interaction.

Garth

John,

I am glad if this painting can help inspire you. Hopefully we will see your painting with the down cast eyes finished and posted soon as well. Good luck, and thank you!

Garth

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

Thanks Claudemir!

There is quite a bit of impasto build-up and texture in the white dresses, especially as they build up to their lightest highlights. I really loaded on the paint there. It's pretty thin and translucent in the shadows though. Thanks for asking!

Garth

Thanks Ngaire,

I would be happy to help and share with a WIP. Your kind wish is prodding and inspiring me as well!

Garth

Thanks so much Renee! I like when we can confidently exclaim we have a new favorite. I have felt the same with many other's paintings here too.

How long did this painting take? Way longer than I would like to admit. It went through some periods of intense struggle. It did not quite paint itself like we all wish would happen. This process began early last August with the photo shoot. I had been painting off and on ever since.

Garth

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

Hi Tom!

I always look forward to what ever you have to contribute to anyone with your always thoughtful insights. I do try to do as you say. It is not always simple and straight forward to get it down and get it right, but that is what I strive for. Thanks!

Garth

This is an amazing painting, Garth!

Thanks Cynthia!

Garth

Garth,
What a great piece. The impromptu nature makes it come to life.
It's simply beautiful.
Jerome
(Garth)

Well Garth, now that you have posted an improved image, I realize that this painting has numerous flaws and believe you should give up painting.

Sorry Garth, that was my doppleganger. Tomorrow marks a year since you've joined SOG, and we've all been lucky to have you here. I'm not a portrait painter stalker, just noticed it was the Ides of March on the profile.

ps. did you get my PM about philly?

Hi Garth, (what a great name!)

Thanks so much! Kids that age certainly are just bounding with energy, aren't they?

Garth

You know Jimmie, I was thinking the very same thing!

Thanks! It has just occurred to me that a year has gone by,,,,, What a great one though! This Forum has really opened up a whole new world of friends, contacts, and above all, inspiration!

Geez! I apologize Jimmie! Come to Philly and hang out anytime! I will save time for you in April. Come on Down!

Garth

Hello Garth!

Since my move back to my hometown in California I haven't had a whole lot of time to peruse the posts in the last few weeks. But, I'm telling ya right now that this image is like a soothing balm to my tired old eyes. So wonderful to behold. Thanks my friend!

Your colors and tones are so smooth and supple. The illusion of reality is as if the viewer can almost hear the rustling of the organza material in this touching scene. Supreme workmanship Garth.

~Gear

Thanks so much Geary!

Gosh! Just for the record, I did not pay you to say any of those complimentary kind words which I sincerely appreciate. Actually, my friend, I am at a loss of words to properly thank you! Even in a small way, I am glad to be a help and remedy.

Garth

Well, I missed this the first time out. I have a good excuse: I'm in the middle of a painting (okay it's a l**dscape, shh!).

As if I could add to all the well-deserved praise for this effort...! I could give you my first impression: love the too-big shoes! I have a 7 year-old who is always dressing up with friends, and the attitudes and postures of these girls are spot on. I've been witness to this kind of scene so often lately, so I can attest to the accuracy.

The wonderful feel of this painting could not be achieved without your masterful application of paint. I'm learning so much about edgework and softening of detail from observing your stuff, Garth. My sincere thanks to you for sharing it.

Dear Rob,

Thanks so much! I can relate to your insight (my girl's eight).

I suppose you are doing something in honor of St. Patrick's Day, given your signiture. Put a little green in your "l***scape"! I hope we can see it sometime.

Well I should announce that I've updated every image in this thread today with stronger clearer ones; and in honor of the holiday, better greens!

Enjoy!

Garth

Hi Garth,

I just wanted to add my admiration for this painting also. I love everything about it and those dresses are just "dreamy"! Thank you also for posting the close-ups.

Congratulations,

Julie
________
SMOKING KILLS

Garth,

Just saw this today.
You have a way of handling white that is very enviable. Just had to add my congratulations to this whole thread, even if I think you might find it redundant. You have my humble respect...

Carlos

Thanks so much Julie, and Carlos!

Your enthusiasm is so much appreciated, and I don't think my head is actually particularly swelled yet from all the positive responses. I am still surprised and dumbfounded by it all.

Julie, I get the sense you know a thing or two about sewing (from your website). I appreciate your insight on the dresses being successful.

Carlos, I really found managing all that white a challenge, in paint. There are many layers building up this white. There was no preset plan or strategy, but it just took a lot of repainting to get the whites to behave and fall into place on the canvas. I still think thre is much room for improvement. I loved how dramatic the play of light was across the white fabric in the reference photo; but I had to dumb it down and make it more high key, to keep from having to paint everything else too darkly in value. Getting a credible photo of this painting to post here, without blowing out all the whites was another challenge. There actually are a lot of subtle colors weaving in and out of this whiteness that get lost in the reproduction here.

Given the quality of some of your works I've seen, Carlos, you have my humble respect too. Julie, your digital approach to art is one I've never thought of.

Best,

Garth

Arianna and Taylor, -Times Two!!
 

I am flabbergasted, but I just received a serious commission this afternoon to paint this portrait once again! Someone likes it that much! So I am going out tonight to get some more canvas stretchers. I do already have a version of this portrait that I left half done, a while back. Now, there's a reason to finish it!

Has anyone else had a request like this? I have painted two official portraits of the late Honorable A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., but have never been asked to paint a duplicate of children in a garden.

Happy Easter to All,

Garth

Wow, are these relatives of the girls?

Congratulations! We told you it was, eh, pretty ok ;)

Thanks Mary,

No, no relation. The client was viewing this forum, and has only seen the images posted here!

Garth

Garth, congratulations! This really does have a universal appeal.

Wondering if there are any thorny issues with a situation like this-- with regards to using the girls' likenesses? (Does your model's release cover a situation like this?) --Just curious.

I was once commissioned to paint three copies of a posthumous portrait for a deceased woman's three grown daughters. I painted them all at the same time. Nose, nose, nose, hair, hair, hair..... very strange experience.

I suppose all you'd need to do a duplicate of this painting is a good model's release and probably do the nicety of asking the parents of the girls if it would be alright. They might be very flattered or they might be wary.

Why did the clients who wanted the Higginbotham portrait ask for two?

Thanks Terri,

That is a fair question. With diplomacy, I shall ask the parents if they have any qualms about this prospect. I could also take some licence with the likenesses, if that would help.

Garth

Michele,

The two Higginbotham portraits were separate clients. I notified the first, and they were okay with it. The original client in 1999 was the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, and the second client, in 2003 was the Black law Student Association of the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania. A few who were associated with the first portrait were present and cheering at the second portrait's unveiling; including the Chief Judge, whom I am about to paint.

I will follow your advice. Thanks!

Garth

Congrats on the Chief Judge commission too -- another feather in your cap!

Thanks Michele!

I have known the Chief Judge for nearly thirty years, -even before he was appointed to the Federal bench by President Carter. He has always been a patron of the highest caliber. He introduced me to the late Capt. Dent and helped persuade him for me to sculpt the fabled Leonardo da Vinci's Horse back in 1986, and he was also primarily responsible for my original Judge Higginbotham commission. I really owe him for all his support and initiative!

Garth

Go Garth! Time to raise your prices! (With apologies to your client. ;) )

I wonder if you should think about making this one a giclee print... ?

I got the chance to see this in person today, and I was sorely disappointed. Disappointed that I could'nt take it with me!! HA! It's incredible, absolutely incredible. Thanks Garth for the opportunity to see it.

Arianna and Taylor, is one of three portraits of mine awarded Finalist in the Portrait and Figure category, in the Artist's Magazine 24th Annual Art Competition

The other two Finalist portraits of mine are Jane and Iona , and Apotheoun .

In addition, among the list of Finalists in the Portrait and Figure category, kudos on this Forum go to:

Marina Dieul Montreal QC
Kimberly Dow Corpus Christi TX
John Ennis Yardley PA
J. Kirk Richards Provo UT
Alexandra Tyng Narberth PA

The complete list in is here:
http://www.artistsmagazine.com/article.asp?id=3038

Also kudos to Thomasin Dewhurst, Finalist in the Experimental category.

Incidentally, Arianna and Taylor, along with Apotheoun, are currently on display at the Wayne Art Center, in Wayne, PA, as a part of the group exhibition, "Portraiture: A Philadelphia Tradition "; through November 16, 2007.

Garth

Congratulations for all three of these, Garth! Of the three paintings, this one is my favorite. Good luck, also at your Wayne Art Center show.

Garth, love the fidgity pose and the downcast eyes. Daring to do a double portrait with averted eyes. Excellent feel for nuanced expressions, as opposed to standard neutral and bland "posed" look. Nice rendering of values within narrow range of indirect light. Love your work.
Chris Kolupski