My first oil portrait

[Alexandra Tyng]

Wow, David! Your Bhuddist Nun is outstanding in so many ways. I especially love her expression, the glowing light and the simplicity. And I really enjoyed seeing your first attempt at oils. Thanks for posting them both.

[John Reidy]

David,

This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and raising the bar.

[David Draime]

Richard, thank you very much for your kind words.

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

I don't know what else to say to a first-time oil painter, but I might go slit my throat with my palette knife.

Just make sure you don't have any flake white on your palette knife - you don't want to get lead poisoning! Really, thank you very much Linda. Coming from one as accomplished as yourself, your praise is cherished.

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

David - Im going to have to disagree with Linda. Please dont enter this in any competitions I am entering.

I'm not sure I want to enter any competitions you are in!! Call me, we'll work something out. Seriously, thanks so much for your positive feedback.

Jean, thanks so much.

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Terri Ficenec

Oooooh David. . . I see her now. Positively gorgeous!!! You've given her such dignity, character and warmth. She glows. Absolutely stunning.

Terri, thanks so much! You know when I got home last summer, and saw the photos of this nun, I knew they were good - my camera wasn't so hot and the color left something to be desired (I invented a bit) - they really did seem to capture something of her spirit. I only spent 15 minutes with her - she was a resident of this incredible 1500 year old temple complex, and she invited me into this little room - more like an alcove - to this little alter, to pray and burn a little incense. I didn't understand a word she said, but she just seemed to beam happiness. I was very impressed with her.

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Lisa Ober

Well, David, you have inspired me again. This time I am inspired to put all of my paintings behind needlework so no one can see them.

If the alternative is that you're tempted to destroy any of your gorgeous work, then I find that backing needleworks with paintings is great from a conservation standpoint. Or you can just give me some of them! Seriously Lisa, thank you, thank you, thank you! You rock!

[David Draime]

Originally Posted by Claudemir Bonfim

Very beautiful David, I like the values in both portraits.

I'm especially glad you like the first potrait - it seems like everybody likes the stupid nun portrait, and aren't giving Gridiron, Guts & Glory its due consideration!! What's up with that? Thank you, Claudemir.

[David Draime]

Alexandra, thank you so much! You should know that I wasn't going to post the "adolescent" painting until I saw the incredible pieces you did as a child. They were so delightful - I just want to say again: thank you so much for posting those. It was such a treat. You know, since painting is so new to me, I feel I'm at the beginning of a VERY steep learning curve - there is so much I don't know. Your comments are a real boost. Thanks.

John, thanks so much - you are quite kind.

[Cindy Procious]

Wonderful painting! Simple and dramatic composition, still, yet full of narrative. She makes me smile right back at her. Your paint handling ROCKS.

[David Draime]

Cindy, thank you very much! I never thought I had (or ever would have) much of a sense of narrative in any of my work, so I am pleased that you think so. After seeing your awesome Ballerina Girl, I'm inspired to do a figurative piece before long...but I probably should do a few more simple portraits, to figure out what I'm doing.

This whole painting thing - I'm hooked. I can't wait to do more. I now SO envy any of you lucky ones out there who get to do this full time.
....someday...(sigh)...