[Denise Hall]

Greetings everyone,

First off - Congratulations, Mr. Mattelson on the Met's choice to purchase one of your paintings.

Marvin Mattelson's posts on this Forum have become some of my most "re-read" and studied notes in my most important "Forum notes" notebook. Some of the pages actually have coffee stains and oil paint smudges on them as a result of sitting beside my easel for easy reference.

I read the posts about the grisaille technique from Karin and Michael Georges respectively, as well as Marvin's posts afterward. I didn't find his post offensive at all - just passionate.

As an adult reader on this Forum, I enjoy having the choice to read all artists' opinions, abrasive or milk toast polite for that matter.

Artists throughout the ages have been known for being passionate, opinionated, vociferous (is that a word?) and yes, abrasive! I really do enjoy reading all opinions on this Forum and think many of the pros have so much to offer in stating their "candid" opinions without thinking so much and censoring themselves to death before posting.

I also understand that this is basically a Forum for the members of SOG who are practicing pros and the ones of us who are fledgelings read, learn and listen a lot. I can respect that.