The Rose

[Jean Kelly]

After numerous computer problems, glitches with new programs, and my inability to get a decent photo, we are finally on the road to electronic recovery.

"The Rose" is complete and will be my demo painting for two charity auctions that I will be involved in this spring. It's 24x30, oil on a gessoed panel

Jean

[Chris Saper]

Jean,

Your painting has turned out so beautifully! Excellent drawing, compelling pose, and wonderful detail. I am so delighyed for you, and I know this will be the impetus for many future successes.

[Mike McCarty]

Nice job Jean.

I've followed you're progression with this painting and I really admire your grit. It takes a lot of tenacity to work through a painting and yours has paid off here. Good job!

[Kimberly Dow]

Jean,
This looks fabulous! Her arm is so well defined it's just beautiful. The lace and the pearls as well are done so fine - congratulations!

[Patricia Joyce]

Jean,
You must be so pleased with this painting. All your hard work paid off. It is a beautiful piece. I love her lace and pearls! It's amazing viewing this piece and knowing that you painted with your non-dominant hand. I so admire you!! Good luck with the auctions. I hope they bring you some strong business!!

Congratulations,
Patty

[Jean Kelly]

To all, thank you so much. Your positive comments mean a lot to me as this was my therapy piece and I truly didn't know if it would be finished. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are doing what western medicine hasn't been able to do for the past year. I'm getting my left arm back again as long as I don't stress it too much, along with other benefits that I didn't count on.

Patty, yes I am pleased with this painting. It looks better in person (of course). I did most of the broad areas and the initial lay-in with my right hand, but as my left arm got better I was able to do detail work with it. I'm still getting some jerks but it's much better.

Kim, thank you. Her left arm is actually mine. I don't have a mirror in my studio so I posed in the bathroom and ran to the painting and added some paint, then did it all over again numerous times!

Mike, Thank you too. Tenacity can also be defined as plain old stubborness!

Chris, your praise means a lot to me. I consider you one of my "intimate mentors", your book holds my hand when I'm stuck, and has helped inspire when I'm down.

Jean

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Jean,
I am really impressed by you and I am very happy that you could manage to paint again.

I liked this painting from the start for its bolt contrasts and unique design and it has been a pleasure to dialogue with you in the process.

Allan

[Linda Brandon]

Jean, this is wonderful, and you should be so proud of this piece. I especially like the edge variation that I see here.

[Terri Ficenec]

Hi Jean-- Though didn't have anything to add, I too watched this progress through the critiques section (or was it WIP?) and wanted to comment on how beautifully it turned out! I'm so happy for you! I agree with what everyone else has said, especially about how well you handled all of that lace. Good work!

[Jean Kelly]

Allan, it's been a pleasure talking with you too. I've decided that when I'm rich and famous I'm coming to see you, meet your wife and daughters, and kidnap Egon (but don't hold your breath). Thank you for all your gentle persuation.

Linda, thank you! I tried very hard to work on edges in this piece and I'm glad you noticed. Your comments mean a lot to me also, you've been another "angel on my shoulder" many times and your latest, "Langour" is inspiring. I'm looking for a model now but don't really know how to approach someone yet.

Terri, you're another one who's work has grown in leaps and bounds. If I remember correctly, you just completed a beautiful portrait of a little girl with her father, I just love the mood in it. When my photo program is back up I'll post a close-up of the lace (hubby is upgrading again).

Jean