Sylvia at Seventeen

I just saw something else - the moire pattern in the hem and highlights of the dress. Amazing.

[Linda Nelson]

Truly stunning in every sense of the word.

Congratulations, Linda

[Carl Toboika]

You guys think the .jpg is pretty cool, you should see the actual painting!!!

The original is a good deal better. Better color harmony, better skin tones, better patterning and texture...better. From a small distance, I looked over at Marvin and Holly standing next to the painting, and the paintings skin tones were completely as life like, as theirs.

This one's a goody and then some. Exceptional work Marvin.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thank you all for your very kind comments.

I will try to post more detailed shots but unfortunately I only shot the full composition on a 4 x 5 transparency. I'll have to shoot more close-ups. If I blow things up too much the grain of the photo supersedes the grain of the canvas. Here is a more enlarged version of her face.

The enlarged version of the painting that's posted on my site gives a much better sense of the painting. BTW the size of the original painting is 34" x 40".

The unveiling took place two weeks ago. There were about 30 people there. Sylvia was very stunned and the first thing she managed to say was, "I was never that beautiful!" Her sister said, "yes you were!" This was followed by a lot of crying and hugging. Everyone was touched by the magnificent gesture of love, from son to mother, this painting symbolized.

Melanie, the model I used for Sylvia's body double, was there accompanied by her mother, who was crying even though she didn't know anyone there. Melanie's boyfriend said he had to go home to call his mom and tell her how much he loved her.

[Mike McCarty]

Marvin,

I'm going to call my Mom also. What a joy it must have been to have the freedom to employ all that bottled up imagination. Your client should be commended for having the wisdom to give you a free rein. This is truly the best of what money can buy. Congratulations, this is my favorite MM.

[Jean Kelly]

Marvin,

I'm still stunned.

Jean

[Michele Rushworth]

What an incredible painting, and a wonderful story to go with it! Thanks for posting it, and the details.

I know we'll be seeing this painting showing up a lot, winning awards and being featured in magazines.

[Mary Sparrow]

Im speechless, this is my absolute favorite of yours. Simply beautiful.

[Linda Brandon]

Marvin, this is a beautiful painting that pulls the viewer right into it. Congratulations on a terrific job well done. I loved the story behind it - this is what portraiture is all about.

[Timothy Mensching]

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