Apotheoun (Tom Livezey at Eleven)

Terri Ficenec · 02-03-2005, 08:12 PM

The painting is much better than the reference Garth. I'm still in awe of this painting! Glad to see it resurrected to marvel at all over again. . .

Garth Herrick · 02-04-2005, 07:59 PM

Dear Terri,

Thank you! I'm as surprised as anyone is that this thread has again been resurrected, and I am honored to share it with you one more time. There are still a number of small imperfections that are easier to spot with the painting and reference side by side, but after all that is because of and what makes it a painting. I am flattered and encouraged to know you believe it's an improvement on the slide photograph reference.

Appreciatively,

Garth

Garth Herrick · 09-08-2005, 11:43 PM

I have some good news to report, especially if you are in the Philadelphia neighborhood over the next month:

"Apotheoun" will be a part of the Faculty Exhibition at the Wayne Art Center , located in the Main-Line suburbs of Philadelphia. The exhibition opening is this Sunday, September 11th, 2005, and the show continues through October 7th.

Please come to the opening from 3 to 5 PM, this Sunday if you can!

I guess this means I will aim to be teaching something about portraiture and painting as well, in a short while (January). Wish me luck with that! Any suggestions and recommendations are appreciated.

See you!

Garth

Here are some brand new images of better quality, and color truer to the subtlty of the palette:

Alexandra Tyng · 09-09-2005, 07:39 AM

Garth,

As you know, I saw this piece in person and it is amazing. The boldness and strength of the abstract design and the realistic colors, forms, and textural illusion overwhelmed me at the same time, so it was hard to know which to concentrate on first. My favorite parts are the boy's chest and armpit shadow. They are so real they are palpable. Thanks so much for lugging it over to my studio and back out to the car in the rain. I really appreciated your efforts!

It is wonderful that you are in the faculty show at the Wayne Arts Center. That's a plum of an arts center; congrats for getting the position. I am sure you will be a much sought-after teacher no matter what you do, so don't sweat it. I will definitely be at the opening on Sunday!

Alex

Molly Sherrick Phifer · 09-09-2005, 08:19 AM

Can't wait to see this work in person!

Brenda Ellis · 09-09-2005, 09:16 AM

Garth, you continue to astound me. I am a big fan of yours, now.
I think you should move to Louisville and teach here.

Garth Herrick · 09-09-2005, 12:40 PM

What a nice response to an obscure announcement!

Alex, it was such a treat to visit you a couple of months ago. Rainy or not, your studio felt sun-filled through your paintings and personality. Hey, it will be wonderful to see you at the opening! This is so last-minute, and I did not want this announcement to get in the way of your more important show opening next Friday. I will surely be there too. Our two shows are a mere 2 or 3 miles apart, so it should be possible for many to see both if they are in the area.

Thanks for your kind praise. The boy's chest and armpit structure do seem a main focus with the strongly sculpted fall of the light. I will admit I focused a lot there, as well as in the illumination the hair. It was a little hair pulling and challenging to get these symbiotic passages to read right; to have the right intensity of light of just the right temperature, along with the quest for the perfect supportive halftone transitions into shadow. One small false tone, and the whole illusion collapses; which it did a few times along the way until all the reworking of the forms and luminence finally became cohesive.

I was only invited to this Faculty Exhibition a couple of days ago. I received a warm response from the Wayne Art Center staff upon the delivery, and a comprehensive guided tour of the expanding studio facilities under construction. This certainly beats having Apotheoun idly parked on my studio floor! I'm excited.

Molly! That's so wonderful that you are coming too! Are you bringing your great new camera? I would not mind seeing the painting you are showing Alex, as well. I look forward to meeting you and having a couple of Forum friends at the opening. What more could one ask for? Can't wait!

Brenda, Thanks! It is so nice getting to know you on the Forum, and appreciate your support. I have to return to Kentucky one of these days. I know my late grandmother originated from those fabled licks and hills, and fiercely held onto her easy-paced accent all her life with a sense of southern pride. Tell me more about teaching in Louisville....

Again, with appreciation,

Garth