Thank you Peggy! :)

And while I'm here, I'll take a minute out of my very busy day working on SOG main site and the Forum, to say, yes, beautiful piece, Michael.

Thank you also Cynthia. :)

Silence is golden
 

Sorry if I stepped on any toes. I am looking into becoming a Buddhist Monk and I am considering a Vow of Silence. My wife and kids couldn't be happier. (This was said in jest and I meant no offense to any real Buddhist).

Marvin: I don't think any of us is served by your (or anyone's) silence. I hope you will continue to participate because we all gain a lot from your being here.

I just think that sometimes we need to count to ten before we reply. :)

Marvin,

I second what Michael said...count to 10 or think how we can state our point without seeming to invalide the views of others. It can be a challenge for all of us at times.

And counting
 

1...2...3...4...5...

Safe way
 

Hi Marvin,

You mention on several posts ago about paintings cracking. I think you were stating the safe or proper way to layer oil paints so down the road in the future, there are less chances of cracking.

From what I learned from Mr. Angel is that the first layers of oil paint are more lean (less oil or medium) that the last or finishing layers. Sometimes even just adding a bit of turps into the paint. The fatty paint tends to "sink in" into the leaner paint underneath.

So, usually the underpainting and 1st painting are more lean paints.

Couldn't agree more
 

So the story goes!

The truth is out there.....
 

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.