[Valerie Gudorf]

Sharon,

Thank you so much for your kind appraisal of "Red Boat". When designing the composition of the piece, I had indeed hoped that the triangular lines of the sails would lead the eyes to the child's head. Perhaps when I paint it in watercolor this design feature will work more emphatically. As I said earlier, I wanted the piece to be more about childhood, and less about the child himself (despite the fact that the child is my son). I suspect that the use of full color will more unify the boat with the rest of the composition.

Unfortunately, I never attended art school of any type, so everything I've learned thus far has been from books and a scattered personal curriculum. It makes me feel very insecure as an artist. I would give just about anything to be enrolled in an atelier. At mid-life, I don't feel that I have the luxury of fiddling around. If I am to become accomplished as quickly as possible, I need a time tested and exacting course of study.

The good news is that I have access to the wisdom and talent of fine artists such as yourself. I think I had a "light-bulb moment" when Steven spoke of the editorial possibilites of this drawing. Real art is all about editing -- editing to strengthen! Now I'll focus my attention in that direction more diligently.

I think that drawing from casts is an excellent way to train the eye to see shapes, forms and values. I've been thinking about buying some inexpensive garden statuary from a nursery center for the express purpose of "cast drawing".