Kimberly, thank you so much. Your encouragement - and everyone else's - means so much. It seems I go through a phase when I'm nearing completion of a piece, where the thing looks really ugly and I get discouraged. And then you guys bail me out! :)

Michele, I'm glad you don't think it's depressing - in the future I'll have to take my sister's evaluations with a grain of salt.

Unfortunately, when I look in the mirror I'm more likely to cry.

Allan, Claudemir and John, Thank you for your generous and gracious comments. John, it will be a great pleasure meeting you next week. I do wish the rest of you could be there!
Linda, same here!! You're so right. It's inspiring and encouraging to be among such talented artists - and such generous and kind human beings.

Janel, thank you! You are very kind.

Scott, coming from one who creates gem after gem, your comments are much appreciated. Thank you.

Rob, put that wakizashi away and go enjoy some miso soup - I've got a long way to go.

Hi David,

This is unbelievable! Truly inspiring indeed. You made me want to chuck my pencils and start doing pastels.

Congratulations on such a masterpiece!!! :thumbsup:


PS: I have a full set of pastels hidden in my drawer collecting dust, now I guess I don't have any more excuse not to try them out. It's been years since I touched this medium. After replying to this thread, I'll be running to the book stores to buy some pastel technique books.

Amazing work. It looks like so real to me as I view it. Indeed,this is a great work of art.

Continue painting and keep us inspiring.

May God be with you always.

Isabel, don't chuck your pencils! But also start doing pastels as well. I CAN'T WAIT to see your pastels...the way you draw, I'm sure they will be incredible!!

Xander, thanks so much for the kind sentiments. I'm going to try to do more painting - I'm devoting my entire summer to drawing and painting - from life. After the Portrait Conference a few weeks ago, I feel like I need to go back to square one.