Figure and backdrop

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Dear Sharon

Thank-you, as always, for your support and enthusiasm. Your paintings, ideas and energy inspire and excite me, and can't WAIT either to see what you are going to paint when you are commission-free!

[Sharon Knettell]

Thomasin,

I have seen so many color theories out there, Munsell, Reilly etc. These interminably boring approaches to color miss the point. Color IS emotional. You cannot tell if a color works unless it is in front of you. It is part of the play and fun of painting. It literally has to sing. It can be bold or subdued but the exquisite interplay of color felt is beyond all theorizing.

You understand that.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thomasin,

Sorry to come in late to see this and join the enthusiastic chorus of praise.

Happy belated birthday!

I'm completely blown away by the life and energy in this painting! There is so much pure, un-stultified (if there is such a word) creativity evident in the final product. The very opposite of "overworked and "lifeless." The colors seem to glow from within, and I can imagine the paint might be made of jewels and precious metals. Sort of like 19th century art glass that is made from several layers and types of glass and picks up light from the sides as well as from behind. It is so rich and complex, yet it reads clearly.

I love the emotion in the figures, and the expression of emotion in the colors and patterns. It amazes me how you express emotion so strongly without a hint of melodrama. I find myself associating this painting with music, like maybe Stravinsky's Firebird or Kreutzer (sp?) Sonata. Oh-oh, hope you don't hate those pieces!

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Dear Alex,

Thank-you so much for your comments! I was using a certain group of yellows in half the lit areas, and so in the other lit areas I tried to mix blue/purple & blue/green with white so that the pupils of my eyes would literally contract when it was put down next to the yellows. The colour got purer and purer as the painting progressed, and I got more and more confident at drawing with that colour.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

No, I don't hate those composers. I especially like Stravinsky (although his music doesn't always compliment my more lethargic moods)

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

I added an addendum to my earlier post about technique, if you're interested.

[Margaret Ferguson]

Just beautiful, your art is becoming more and more powerful. The painting is lovely and ethereal. I love the colours and the composition.
Congratulations.

Well done on selling a drawing. How did the ebay sale go?

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Thanks Margaret. I appreciate your comments. I didn't sell my works on ebay. I did get offers but they were too low. Thanks for asking.