I am speechless!
 

Dear David,

When I don't know how it is possible for you to improve beyond your existing artistic mastery, you do it again, showing absolute mastery of a new medium. I am finding you like several other pastel masters here in this Forum, have superior ability to make the successful transition to oils. You have razor perfect value and drawing skills that mesh perfectly with oils for a higher level of perfection than has been seen in realism up to this point.

Yes, do enter this everywhere, even though the rest of us won't stand a chance in the same competition. I hope you are entering this in the Portrait Society of America's international competition this year. I will come to Dallas to see this in person; that may clinch the deal for me to attend!

I love this composition too! There is such an affinity of curves echoing out from the corner, to her kind and soft face. What a serene expression! May I be among the first to add this image has a strong retinal burn factor as well. She stays on my mind. I am proud to have met you.

Kudos!

Garth

(well FWIW, here's my first oil. 1962, age four. See, even your first oil was much better than mine!): ;)

Well, Garth, after reading that I truly am flattered - especially as it is coming from YOU!!! I can't quite bring myself to believe what you are saying is true - I think you are being overly generous - but I sure hope someday to be worthy of that high praise. Thank you.
You better come to Dallas!! After seeing your Judge portrait I want to sit down with you for about six hours and pick your brains. Just consider me a very dry sponge.
Well I for one TOTALLY...no, I VEHEMENTLY disagree with you on this one. This piece is an Abstract Expressionist masterpiece (though not being entirely abstract). I think it stands with the very best expressionist work of the 20th century. I'm dead serious. What an imagination you had - at 4 years of age!! The balanced composition, design is so sophisticated, my eye moves around easily and confidently, discovering all the marvellous creatures you've so joyously depicted. It is grand. I know some people might think, "boy, this guy has a screw loose somewhere.." but I mean it. Your genius was quite evident in 1962.

David

"She beams with happiness." That is the best way to say what entered my mind when I looked at your portrait; of the nun that is. : )

She is absolutely beautiful. I smiled right back at her.

As for your fist oil portrait, I have to say for your first time I'd say you did very well. I also might add ...... I think you have come a long way.

Thanks for posting these.

David, what a perfect work!
Also many compliments to your mom ( and garth's too) for keeping your early masterpiece, mine is a cleaning freak and chucked everything aaway.
Ilaria

David - you amaze us every time you share one of your works! Masterful.

David--

Sorry to not have come by sooner...this is fabulous!

Best--TE

Incredible. I fully expect this to bring many "Best of Show" awards in the coming years.

Janel, thank you very much for your nice words.

Ilaria, thank you and congratulations on your recent acceptance to the RSPP exhibition - what an honor. I'm sorry your early work was lost - there is always something touching about children's art...and I would have loved to have seen yours - but at least we get to see your current work!

Julie, thank you so much!

Tom, thanks! So will we get to see you in Dallas? I'm assuming so. I will always remember the great advice you gave me last year.
Michele, I don't know about that, but I'm ready to begin trying. It's time I think, for me to come out of my cave. Thanks!

David, I have always been a great fan of your work and just about fell of my chair when I saw this one. It is incredible! What can I possible say that no one else has already said?

Where did you say you lived? I remember you where somewhere in my neck of the woods. I would love to come over and pick your brain on how you achieved such a stunning likeness. Since we seem to love the same subject matter (very old people- from far corners of the world) I am just aghast how lively your portraits look!

I am blabbering now, forgive me....Just awesome!

David I must admit, I really like that football player! ;)

Well, the other one isn't bad either!

IT'S AWESOME!
:)
Beth