Dr. Al

[John Reidy]

Dr. Philips was the founding president of Tulsa Community College (formerly named Tulsa Junior College) located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dr. Philips was instrumental in the inception and the growth of Tulsa Junior College.

When he started the school was just a goal. Dr. Philips formed the outline and mission statement for the school. He set the course for future generations to be able to attend college where no such avenue was before. His foresight brought the idea into reality.

When I met Dr. Philips he was retired and in his 80

[David Draime]

John, - a really tough assignment, but you pulled it off beautifully. I'm sure he would be pleased.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Really outstanding job John! You met the challenge head on, and as a result, you've painted, what looks to be, to my eye, your most successful portrait to date. I'm certain he would have been far more than just pleased. And you should be too. Well done!

[John Reidy]

Thank you David and Marvin. I'll be delivering the portrait in person towards the end of August. As a matter of fact the shipping company came today to pick up this painting and another (the one of Dr. Dean VanTrease, posted earlier). I've been working on them for quite some time and my wife and I will miss them "hanging" around the house.

Marvin, I hope you recognize some resemblance to your painting of the cardinal. It was part of my inspiration in this painting. I knew from the resource photo that I would need a seated pose and I manufactured this one encouraging a composition that flowed well to my eye.

[Christy Talbott]

John, what a challenge! It's too bad Dr. Phillips didn't live to see this portrait. I've always felt, though, that the portraits we do are really for the families and other people who admire the subject. It's probably more meaningful to those people to receive the portrait now. In any case you did a lovely job, especially with the obstacles you had to endure on this job.

[John Reidy]

Christy, thank you.

I didn't know just how challenging it would be. Some issues didn't even occur to me, such as his posture.

When I started I posed him as my model did, sitting straight up. Dr. Al, it seems, tended to slouch, for lack of a better term. So I needed to adjust his pose.

Other small issues were encountered along the way but I chalked these up to the many folks who had worked with Dr. Al and their recollection of him.

[Linda Brandon]

John, you handled a tough assignment very well - you are right to be proud of this one! (I'll bet every other portrait you do will seem easy in comparison.) Congratulations on your success here!

[Michele Rushworth]

What a nice job, John! All the issues were handled quite well, with a very successful result.

[Marvin Mattelson]

It's always nice to serve as a good example of something. I'm glad that I was able to be of help.

[John Reidy]

Thank you Michele and Marvin,

I always appreciate your responses, Michele and Marvin, you already know the extent that you have helped me.

Thanks again.