Samantha

[Rob Sullivan]

If you're gonna quote movie stars, Marvin - let me quote that estimable thespian Keanu Reeves: "Whoa..."

Correct me if I'm wrong (has that ever happened?), but this is a benchmark piece. I just love the juxtaposition of your highly polished style against the spontaneous look of the underpainting. A perfect foil, if you will.

I also think it's terrific that this is the great-granddaughter of your subject in Sylvia at Seventeen. Generations of Mattelson portraits! Pretty cool, no?

You had best enter this in a few portrait society juried shows. I predict Prix de Rome!

Best,

Rob

[Holly Snyder]

She is beautiful Marvin, this is one of my favorites of your paintings.

You have made a terrible mistake. What's the worst that could have happened? Six months at Ellis Island? Well worth the price paid.

I don't know Mike... I was just at Ellis Island two days ago, and have newfound respect for people who made it to (and through) there. It was interesting looking at their photo portrait wall of faces from around the globe.

Anyway, thanks for posting this Marvin.

Holly

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thanks Rob, the Prix de Rome would be nice (four years in Rome!?!), but I don't think that's an option these days. Maybe the Booby Prize is more like it?

Holly, I'm glad you like it. I too am exploring ways to get looser and not sell out my soul. It worked in this case anyway. I think Mike was referring to Rikers Island when he suggested Ellis Island. Rikers is a prison while Ellis is where the immigrants were processed.

[Mike McCarty]

I was meaning Rykers Island. Too much island rum.

[Jim Riley]

Marvin,

Finding the words adequate enough to express my level of appreciation of this painting will fall short of the techinical and emotional impact that it provides. Please accept
Very well done.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thank you Jim. I'm very touched by your sentiments.

[Janel Maples]

Marvin,

For what it is worth, I think you are a gem yourself. I've said it before and I will say it again, not everyone who paints really good is a really good teacher. I am proud to be on the list of people who choose to learn from you.

Just one thing.........can you get me there sooner? ; )

How do you sleep at night knowing you can paint like this? She is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful!

[Timothy Mensching]

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