Apotheoun (Tom Livezey at Eleven)

[Garth Herrick]

Hi Everyone,

Here is my first unveiling. I would be interested in any thoughts or reactions to this work. It was begun near the time I joined this forum, a few weeks back in March. This forum has really inspired me.

Apotheoun, oil on linen, 30 1/2 " x 35 1/2 ".

This painting is a reinterpretation of another work I painted in 1994, which refers to the source image I photographed back in 1981. I like this new version much better.

This painting is part of a special exhibition which opens tomorrow, Sunday April 4, 2004, and runs though April 25, at the Philadelphia Sketch Club. The exhibition is in honor of one of the finest instructors in the history of the Pennsylvania Academy of the fine Arts, and is entitled: "An Instuctor's Legacy: The Pedagogical Work and Students of Arthur DeCosta." I feel fortunate to have been one of his students, as he taught me most of what I value in painting. I also feel fortunate to be among the 27 exhibitors which include Bo Bartlett, Brett Bigbee, James Brantley, Vincent Desiderio, and Stuart Shils.

I know this is an unconventional approach to a portrait, but I felt free because it is not a commission. In this painting I was mainly focused on the tonal qualities of the imagery, especially in the play of sunlight accross the boy. Developing the extremely close tonal values was a tricky challenge for me. Toward the sfumato, I used a number of very subtle hazy velaturas , as well as lightly dragged scumbles.

Thanks, and if you are in Philly, stop by and see the exhibition.