A moment, a revelation the next thing you know is that you gazed through the frame of Mrs. Harris. This is all we know at times, until, next time. As you are well aware there is more to the things around us than what we know and see. Where does one connect to understand is but a start. If one looks to self and spends a lifetime there what will the end result be? Philosophy is not my thing but the truth is. As a artist, I wish to know the truth and walk that narrow path of the truth. For broad is the way and many travel on it but that road leads to --. There is a saying that many roads lead to Rome but only one leads to the truth. I believe the same can apply to art.

Allowing the things created to speak, I believe, will get you closer to where one needs to be. I really like your "real sense of flesh and character" approach. Many artists copy what they see, and most of us do this quite well, but the feeling that you can reach out and touch is hardly there. In many cases it is close but if we are not looking for it, I do not think that we will find it let alone understand.

Thank you Thomasin for bringing this up and sharing your thoughts and work. I am glad that what I saw in you, when you introduced your self to the forum, is coming to lite.

Thomasin,

You have such an original way with heads. Simple and subtle. They are are painted with a few shift of values, very hard indeed to do.

Lovely piece.

Carlos, Mischa, and Sharon - Thank-you very much for your comments and encouragement.

Thomasin,

I've seen and admired this on your website. What strikes me is your utterly personal vision and your way of delivering it to the "unsuspecting" viewer. For most people, to hear the title "Woman Holding Hat" is to conjure up a vision of a standing woman, striking a pose, perhaps with hand on hip, holding the hat with her other hand. Being faced with this portrait then is like a revelation. She is indeed holding a hat, really holding it. Her hands and her face are painted marvellously with, as Sharon mentioned, a subtle range of values and color changes. I am especially fasinated by her upper lip and glimpse of teeth. And the crooked nose. She's such an individual it is almost shocking, but beautifully so.

Alex - Thank-you very much. I really appreciate the time you take to think about your posts and make sure you express just what you really think about a work. And, of course, you are always very generous and kind with your compliments too. You make me want to paint more and more!