I wish I'd said that.

... I wish I had painted that...

Me too, Peter, it's one of my favorite Sargents.

Great object lesson, Tim.

Stanka--way to go! It was the perfect position to take. I'll remember it.

John, I remember the ASOPA article: I've kept it and nearly worn out the issue. It was one of the most well-articulated and meaty of those they've published. I already envy you the November workshop--I'm too jammed up to make it. I have nothing to add to your high praise of Mr. Silverman except that if not for him and his teaching, I likely wouldn't be painting today.

Best--TE

A lot of what we

It might be well for anyone reading this thread to pay attention to that "certain kind of discomfort" feeling that its underlying message brings. It appears to me, like it reads with personal preferences stated as global fact.

They are preferences that do fit some, and definitely (and just as legitimately) do not fit others.

That's all I'll say on the subject.

I really thought I would hold my tongue at least until the end of the day, but alas it has become unleashed and I cannot tame it.

To paraphrase a really great master, the truth behind classical realism is the deception. In addition to the skills of a draftsman and the ability to observe, there is the talent of an artist who takes an image and through the subjective nature of their developed thought - they see everything as a symbol.

The technical skill applied to all art no matter what the

I can not resist offering one of my favorite painters and one who comfortably fits the description of "Realist" as well, Andrew Wyeth. He has combined accuracy, detail and narrative with design and abstract qualities that allow his paintings to hang among large/dramatic "modern" work that would easily overpower lesser efforts. I think it was Robert Bateman who discovered and was influenced by Wyeth's work in the sixties and went on to use his training as modern artist with "traditional" training to become the popular wildlife artist he is today.

It should be understood that these are all hearfelt OPINIONS, and not necessarily common facts.

Happy painting everyone. :D

Michele asked that I clarify my post so that it is easier to understand. The shortest way I can think of to do that, is in the following sentence. Not everyone has to

This thread has Jonathan Swift written all over it. Remember his