Ellen

Garth Herrick · 07-06-2006, 11:26 PM

Dear Mike, and Alex,

Thank you both! I have painted a few "old" ladies recently, and I quite agree they can be so thoroughly interesting as subjects! The caroling figures must represent the son and daughter-in-law, who are life-long choristers, he being interested in sailing too; so it all fits!

I have returned from the delivery of this painting, and it was greeted with a little awe and adulation, by two of Ellen's sons. "Oh my God" was followed by "Oh my GOD; OH-MY-GOD!" "Mother is about to SPEAK!"

We had a toast to the portrait, much as Ellen would have done in life. I think her family was pleased with Ellen's image, which is in turn satisfying to me; that's always a good feeling.

Garth

David Draime · 07-07-2006, 12:01 AM

Garth, this is wonderful! I'm fascinated by the paint handling in this one - it seems a bit more "painterly" than the rest of your work. Are you on a "Rembrandt" curve in your life, or is this just a temporary departure from your normal mode of working?

Anyway, it's fabulous. I love seeing everything you post. One of these days I'll have to make a pilgrimage to Philly to see some of these masterpieces in person.

David

Terri Ficenec · 07-07-2006, 12:10 AM

So vibrant and alive, Garth! I'm not surprised her family was thrilled. Beautifully done.

Garth Herrick · 07-07-2006, 12:43 AM

Dear David and Terri:

The very two artists who have produced the most memorable and compelling portraits of older women! I am most humbled and honored by your replies. David, I just can't paint like you do so well. I am by default a little on the loose side. I am not striving to be as great as Rembrandt, but appreciate your generous comparison. I did a lot of quick repainting and reassesments at the end, which accounts for that somewhat deconstructive painterly quality. If I gave it another week of devotion, it surely would be tighter and sharper.

Thanks,

Garth

Carlos Ygoa · 07-07-2006, 09:09 AM

Wonderfully done...that smile is so candid and genuine...her personality reads so well in your representation of her. I agree with David Draime

Tom Edgerton · 07-07-2006, 09:38 AM

Garth--

Terrific paint handling--loose but solid. Wonderful characterization...she's right there!

Best--TE

Michele Rushworth · 07-07-2006, 12:06 PM

This treasure of a painting will be at every family Christmas gathering for decades to come, I'm sure.

Mari DeRuntz · 07-08-2006, 01:37 AM

Her face radiates "summer," that childlike wonder that if we're lucky to live long enough, we all might hope to rediscover.

Marina Dieul · 07-07-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

I did a lot of quick repainting and reassesments at the end, which accounts for that somewhat deconstructive painterly quality.

Garth

Very nice work!
I was surprised to see on the close up how you handled the paint. the light seems to glow on the skin. And with this sunny smile , her warm personality shines.