College President

[Julie Deane]

So nicely done, Garth - so much is there, but so subtle. Understated like you describe the man to be.

[Chris Saper]

Bravo, my friend

[David Draime]

Wicked good

see ya.....tomorrow!

-D

[John Reidy]

What a great departure from the normal "presidential" portrait. I am happy to see the high key treatment as it is unexpected in this type of portraiture.

I understand, I believe, that it is part due to the nature of the assignment but to take it to this conclusion shows a great understanding of your craft and a bit of "can do" type of personality.

Congratulations, Garth, on another beautiful portrait and for your ingenious creation.

[Cynthia Daniel]

Great skin tones and so alive!

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Garth,
as usual........etc.
I also like that you have "undermined" the formality of the project by making the design of the background less pompous with an almost humorous touch, bravo! This might add to the characteristic of the stander.
The study of the shaded parts of the head tells me all I need to know about painting skin.

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Garth, I don't know why I missed this.
I am absolutely charmed by the beauty of the grays in the background, they make the painting even before having a better look at the subject.
I feel that in this work you might have been more interested and involved in the painting itself than in some of your previousworks on judges. I think your rendering of lights has reached an all times high here.
I am afraid I will have to borrow those greys for one of my work sooner or later, do you mind?
Ilaria

[Marina Dieul]

Great work, Garth!
Sorry I didn't have the time to answer sooner...
I love the strong simplicity of value massing. The background is fascinating for me, it makes me think to those luminous interiors of dutch paintings.
Thanks for sharing.

[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