Jane and Iona
 

This is hot off my easel. I began planning this months ago. It seemed only half done yesterday, but by 2PM today it was delivered. Yes, I was up all night painting.

"Jane and Iona", oil on linen, 31 inches by 34 inches.

The dog was posed on a foot stool beside the armchair.

Dear Garth,

This is a stunning and masterful work. I am just floored by your sensitive and intelligent portrayal of this older woman, and your decisions as to value, color and paint handling show flawless taste and unimpeachable technique.

I'm sorry for all these flowery superlatives, but I'm just searching for words at the keyboard. Here's what I really want to say: I wish I painted this painting.

Gosh - this is just beautiful! Can you post some close-ups of her hands and some background parts - I am interested in seeing how tight the background is up close.

Garth,

This is masterful and so inspiring to look at. Your control of values...... how do you do that?
I also like the pastel color harmony, that unifies this very complex composition.

Keep up the good work, Allan.

This is gorgeous and amazing, Garth!

Thanks Linda, Kimberly, Allan, and Cynthia:

I am heading out the door for another client, but I wanted to quickly thank you all for your praise and encouraging comments. I should be back on Sunday.

Dear Linda thanks, I am overwhelmed. It would have been great to have you paint Jane!

Kimberly, I have a shot of the background detail but it has a lot of glare. Basicly, it is a slightly blurred impression, with minimal detail. Nothing is sharp, just soft edges.

Allan, I came up with a new way on this painting to control values, with a 52 level gray index (in paint). The nice thing is that I can now lay down any color inthe painting (as long as it is not too wet in consistency) and know that the value is right where I need it to be. This way fewer corrections or adjustments are needed.

Thanks Cynthia, your praise makes my day!

Garth

I'm floored Garth! You've raised the bar once again on ultra-realistic paintings. The lipstick and painted nails are perfect touches. Did you do this from life or photos or a combination of both? This is a beautiful painting.

Holly

WOW, Garth!!

I absolutely LOVE this forum. I get such a creative boost when I see what everyone is doing.

Thanks for the BLAST, Garth.

Janel

Student held spellbound!
 

Captivating! Stunningly beautiful, elegant, so eye pleasing I want to look and look. . .

Wonderful
 

Garth,

I loved your formal portraits, but I think this is even more magnificent. Can you elaborate about your technique you mentioned?

I agree with Holly - you definitely raise the bar - You give so much life to the people you paint.

Jane