Good luck to you, Pat! I've been following this thread but, since I have never felt the desire to pull up roots and move from Philadelphia, I didn't have much wisdom to impart and so I've just been reading all the wise and varied responses.

And just because I'm content here, it doesn't mean I don't like to travel, so maybe I'll see you in Atlanta.

Alex

Alex, after visiting Philadelphia's wonderful art museum and downtown area, i don't wonder that you are content! I had a wonderful (full) day wandering around that museum last summer.

Still, my area of Georgia is warmer....we're mad cause this is the second winter with no snow except a flurry.

Michele = Portrait Society of Atlanta , can't wait to join! I have a great story about the last time I visited Atlanta. My friend lives in Buckhead and we stopped at her neighbor's to pick up her daughter from piano lessons. The homeowner was eager to meet me because she knew I was there to study portrait painting. She opened the door to her very large, very posh, extraordinary home and pulled me directly into her living room where hanging above the huge fireplace was a huge painting of mom and dad and the three kids. My lord, it was the most awful painting I have ever seen! The heads looked like they were printed from a cheap computer printer and pasted onto stiff, flat bodies. It was truly horrific! and the woman was elated because it was painted by some "named colorist" whom EVERONE was using to paiint their portraits.

...there's room for at least one more good portrait artist, and give me some time, I will visit that neighborhood again, with my portfolio in tow!!

Alex I think Philadelphia is beautiful and would love to visit again. Once I get settled you have a place to visit in Atlanta, I promise!

Julie - I am HOPING not to see snow for some time! But I guess a flury or two would not hurt. I keep going to the website and viewing the current weather - I can't wait!!!

Steven - I saw all that snow you got this past week - UGH! I lived in Grand Forks N D for three winters in the 70's I know what it is like. I do have to admit though, anyone who suffers from SAD will feel better in ND/Minnesota. They may have long cold winters, but there is so much sun and it is relecting on pure white snow for months. I never felt the winter blahs in North Dakota!

More proof of the power of perspective.

I'm glad my favorite winter landscape artist had it, too.

Willard Metcalf

Dear Pat, I never said this but I always thought it would be nice to see the Cleveland Museum of Art again, perhaps meeting you there. (We have a farmstead I need to visit, a couple hours east of Cleveland on Rt 322, which of course ends right at the very entrance of this fine museum!) You don't have such a shabby museum, in my humble opinion.

I don't see where I'd actually be able to visit Cleveland in the next couple of weeks, so I will just have to wish you a fine and serendipitous move to Georgia. I wish you all the best! Keep us posted.

So if you ever drop into Philadelphia again, let Alex and me know.

Garth

PS: And Julie! How come you never told any of your Philadelphia Forum friends you were visiting????

Hi Garth -

Mea culpa - I had exactly one day to visit the museum, plus I had never paid attention to who lived where, so never really thought about it.

If I ever go back (and I expect I will sometime, since it's a few hours' drive from some family members), I'll be sure to be in contact. It would be fun to meet some SOG'ers!

Steven - I'm sure it is only a few hardy midwesterns could paint en plein air in winter - this is one hardy artist!! But his landscape represents the clear air of Minnesota beautifully.

Garth - Thanks for the invite, it is good to keep track of where we all are for those excursions we like to make into museums around the world. And for your information the Cleveland Museum of Art is under a complete renovation which has given me serious withdrawals. You will have to wait until late 2007 before you visit!

Aw shucks, Pat! Here I am suddenly stranded in Jamestown, PA (after all!), with my ancient Mercedes broken down. I am only seventy miles away, but can't get away. I am sorry the Cleveland Museum is closed, but that will keep me out of trouble for the moment. I will just have to plan a future visit to Georgia (where all my car parts are coming from). I wish you the very best in your transition and move.

All the best,

Garth