Cardinal Egan/Mattelson

[Alexandra Tyng]

Marvin,

This is definitely my favorite of all your work. There's a richness in the red and black and a warmth in the neutrals that works well with your subdued palette. The cardinal is dignified, worthy of respect, and also a human being. I especially like the composition. All the empty space in the upper right is such an effective balance for the weight in the lower left, separated by the strong diagonal of his arm. The other striking thing about the composition is the placement of the edge of the wall panel so far to the right (but not too far) so that it makes a definitive end to the empty space, and creates its own area of interest. The way the crucifix overlaps the edge ties that thin vertical strip of darker wallcovering into the painting in a very pleasing way.

Congratulations!

Alex

[Elizabeth Schott]

Thanks guys, I am sure Marvin will give this a peek - I sent him the link and also got this one for close ups, which I am guessing are larger than I can post here, so I'll just put up the link.

Close Ups Mattelson

[Linda Brandon]

Marvin, this is a masterpiece and a truly extraordinary painting, with irreproachable technique, design and feeling. It's magnificent.

I sure wish I had painted this, not only for its artistic quality but because I have a hunch that if one paints enough religious figures you get to spend less time in Purgatory.

[Denise Hall]

Upon hearing the news that Marvin's beautiful painting of Cardinal Egan was unveiled as well as placed First in the Portrait Society of America's latest competition - I called and spoke with him at length about this painting and his visit to Dallas. I only wish I could have been there to see him get what he has always deserved from the Portrait Society.

What a great painter and teacher Marvin is - a true asset to the School of Visual Arts in NYC. The fact that Marvin is a teacher is also amazing. He could just keep all his talent to himself - but he so unselfishly shares it with so many young painters who are forever influenced in such a positive, nurturing way .

This portrait must be really something to see in person and I've cajoled him into taking me to see it the next time I visit the city. I'm sure it will be a stunner (as the Pre-Raphaelites used to call their models).

Again, I just want to congratulate Marvin Mattelson - even though we don't see too much of him here anymore. He is truly a wealth of information about painting and art history - a great guy to converse with about it - again - just a dedicated teacher and mega-talented artist.

Just looking back on his career as a Time Magazine illustrator is mind boggling enough - but to see his contribution to 21st century portrait art definitely moves the bar to the top realm - a realm of his own.

It's nice to have all these great painters to look up to - what would we do without them, really??


Denise Hall

[Patricia Joyce]

Having to rely on the Library to check this forum I have been extremely remiss in viewing inspirational pieces, to feed my artist self. Wow, Marvin comes through every time with tremendous inspiration (and I am not just saying this cuz I am Catholic - chuckle, chuckle!) I went to his site and studied the close-ups, the hands are so amazing, the overall color blows me away. I wonder how many contemporary artists can ever achieve his level of mastery over a medium.

We are so fortunate to have Marvin's work to study. If anyone has had the pleasure of seeing a piece of his in person, as I have, it is pure inspiration. Sometimes it's is as if the subject is breathing.

I feel honored and blessed to have studied with Marvin and I look forward to being in his workshop once again in June (if only to model). Looking forward to coming away with a deeper knowledge of his pallette and approach.
We students are fortunate that Marvin enjoys teaching and is such a good one at that. See you soon, Maavelous Maaavin!!!

[Tom Edgerton]

Saw it there, and it is really fine...

Best--TE

[Dianne Gardner]

This is indeed a masterpiece. I am simply awestruck by such talent. Congratulations to Mark for both its execution and the honor that was given. It is my hope that someday I could also study under such talent!

This painting must be spectacular to see in person. What are its dimensions?

Dianne