Apotheoun (Tom Livezey at Eleven)

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Linda, Sergio, and Tom:

Thank you so much for all your positive comments. I think you know how encouraging and rewarding your feedback can be. This painting seems to convey more of a message than I intended. I don't mind this. It is interesting to learn from other's perspectives.

Linda said: "I also wanted to tell you, for what it's worth, that I had a strong emotional reaction to this painting. To lie in the sun, totally relaxed, completely protected by Moms who will die to protect you... wow! When will this level of trust and safety happen again, other than in childhood; who will ever guard us again this way?" To me, there were no such profound thoughts as I painted this. I just was happy with the energy of the composition and loved the play of the sunlight.

I think one reason my personal response is lower key than Linda's is that I have had this composition stewing in my mind for over twenty years, while Linda is getting a "gut" reaction from seeing it for the first time. Sergio, I appreciate your critique about the blue shoe. I personally like it as a compositional device. And Tom, thanks for your kind words about my responses, but I think I have a tendancy to over-explain.

You are all such talented artists whose works I really respect and can learn from. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Garth

[Janel Maples]

Anyone want to buy an easel, paints or brushes?

Garth, I will NEVER get a commission with you out there.

For what it is worth, this is how I want to paint someday.

Man, I have SO much to learn.

Back to my studio.

[Heidi Maiers]

Gosh Garth,
You sure know how to stike a chord and get people talking in the posts you start. Like Linda, I don't know how I missed this post this week, but am glad I stumbled upon it just now. Reminds me also of my childhood growing up in southern California - always a pool nearby, sun in your face. Those could be my mother's legs there exactly. Exceptional job - so glad you shared this.

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Heidi Maiers

Gosh Garth,
You sure know how to stike a chord and get people talking in the posts you start.

Hi Heidi,

Thanks for the compliments, but how do I keep this thread from getting too long?

[Garth Herrick]

I just googled "Apotheoun" and found that this thread is now #2 in a search. It makes one wonder whether a carefully chosen title could draw attention through Google, or another search engine. What could make a high visibility title? Marvin Mattlelson's "Sylvia at Seventeen" for example comes out #1, in a Google search, with all it's Forum hits. I guess whatever we post can be found through Google. We better be careful what we say!

[Garth Herrick]

Actually most titles of Forum threads, I have checked in the last few minutes have high visibility in Google.

[Linda Ciallelo]

I am late posting this, as I haven't been here in awhile, but I have to say that this painting has changed the way I see. It's learning experience just looking at it. Thanks for posting it.

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Janel Maples

Anyone want to buy an easel, paints or brushes?

Garth, I will NEVER get a commission with you out there.

For what it is worth, this is how I want to paint someday.

Man, I have SO much to learn.

Back to my studio.

Dear Janel,

Thanks for the high compliment. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I don't know if it has occurred to you that you are not the only Forum artist to feel this way about another's work. - I often have the same emotional response looking at other's talents and works. I hope you weren't serious in your message because I have seen your posts and think your paintings are just fine. I know you will be getting commissions. Man, there is so much I want to learn too! Thats kind of why we join this Forum.

Happy painting,
Garth

[Janel Maples]

[QUOTE=Garth Herrick]
I hope you weren't serious in your message because I have seen your posts and think your paintings are just fine

No Garth, I am not serious about selling my supplies. I am too much in love with this adventure I am on to do such a thing. It was my way of paying you a compliment.

As for me ever getting a commission...........who cares? I am happy and storage space is cheap.

Of course, a commission WOULD be nice.