O.K. here I go

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Dear Linda,

I just saw this thread now that it has come up again under 'new posts' and I want to add my congratulations! And also, WOW! You are so talented, I think you have a real gift for composition. The portrait of your son on the staircase that I admired just a few days ago under the thread about type and the portrait of the little girl in the tree (your daughter?) are wonderful.

It was so much fun and so inspiring to find this thread with your first post of just 'launching' yourself and now a year has passed and I can read about all your successes!

You must love doing the shows because it sounds as though you are keeping busy enough without them. (?)

I am surprised to read that you are still, what word did you use, nervous (?) about upcoming shows. I think you obviously have a talent for problem solving and any commission that comes along is just another challenge with problems to be solved. And, from your website and the photos of your booth, you have a gift for meeting the challenges in portraiture. And not just meeting them, your truly excel at portraiture. I think a lot of thought must go into each portrait to make it unique, though I'm betting a lot of that must come naturally for you.

I hope you'll post some more photos of your booths this summer!

Joan

[Linda Nelson]

Wow Joan... you have just floored me. How sweet of you to take the time to say such nice, encouraging things.

You know the saying " the more answers you get the more questions you have", well I feel like I've learned so much about painting this year, yet remain I so far from what I don't know yet. Is also difficult (but rewarding) in the midst of that to sort of what personal style I want to guard. It can make one bipolar!

That was so nice to read your email. What a pick-me-up.

May I say by the way to anyone who is intimidated by the whole thing but really wants to be out there doing portraiture for hire that - push yourself to get public with your work, get used to dealing with your artwork in the public eye. If you get work great, if you don't you, ask yourself "what isn't communicating". Change it, but don't sell yourself.

Thanks again Joan, really