Cheap model (self portrait)

[Rob Sullivan]

My sincere thanks to you, Mr. Whitaker, for such a flattering and inspirational post. I am a big admirer of your work and am fairly speechless that you see such quality in mine.

I must admit, my focus over the past year or so has been on the landscape, as I'm doing fairly well with them career-wise. But (and isn't this always the way?) my true passion is for the figure and portrait. If I could paint figures outdoors for the rest of my life and have a decent market for it, I would be one happy camper.

Your affirmation of my abilities in portraiture helps to keep that dream alive. I'm fortunate to be practicing art for a living, period - and I do not want to appear ungrateful for that gift. But, there is a part of this garden that is not yielding much fruit, despite its potential. I just have to find the time and opportunity to tend it more.

[Michele Rushworth]

Very nice! I don't know if you want any suggestions or if this was posted as an unveiling, but here goes: you might want to soften the edges or the contrast on the eyes since they seem a bit intense and staring. Other than that, great work.

If I could paint figures outdoors for the rest of my life and have a decent market for it, I would be one happy camper.

See the work of www.hongminzou.com and Allan Banks at http://portraitartist.com/banks/banks.htm -- I see no reason why you can't make that concept work for you too!