College President

[Steven Rosati]

Masterfully done Garth! Congratulations. I have a question regarding the background. I assume that the image at the bottom right is an armrest, was there a reason for placing two chairs down there...was it a balance issue? Why just the armrest? Love your portraits. Thanks for posting it. We all learn from your work.
Steven

[Garth Herrick]

Hi Steven, good question!

First let me thank: Tom, Thomasin, Julie, Chris, David, John, Cynthia, Allan, Ilaria, Marina, and you for all your high level of praise I never quite expect!

This was a simple modestly budgeted commission, and with respect to that I tried to keep the process as simple and direct as possible. The reference image I took with my camera included these armchairs as shown; these elements just happened to be there. I did edit out a number of other details, like the door and doorknob, making it merely a color field. I did like for psychological associations, having the chairs remain, as they seemed to connote a relationship this president has with others in his office. I thought the shapes were interesting too.

Thanks again,

Garth