Steven Sweeney - Former Critiques Moderator
 

In expatriate residence and driving on the wrong side of the road in Sydney, Australia, in 1995, Steven Sweeney quickly developed an interest in British traffic patterns and in Australian impressionist landscapes from the late 19th Century. Inspired to try his own hand at oil painting, and in possession of a valid but pointless Aussie driver

A long-planned leave of absence from the daily Forum business

Hi Steven
 

I'll miss your critiques and verbose posts, but am very relieved that you will be leaving Taiwan sooner than anticipated. Stay well and wash your hands alot.:sunnysmil

Jean

Steven,

I'll be counting the days 'til your return to the forum. I wish you a safe and hassle-free relocation to the states. Please stop in whenever you get a chance. We'll all miss you greatly!

When the Saints Go Marching Out
 

Saint Steven,

You are going to be sorely missed. Yes, even by me! Your unselfish giving of yourself has always astounded me. I really appreciate the seemingly infinite amount of time and energy you always extended on the behalf of others.

I am quite sure, however, that you can be easily replaced. We just need to locate a Mother Teresa type with encyclopedic knowledge, voluminous insights and no apparent need of sleep.

We may not have always seen eye to eye (who does?) however, we both wore our hearts on our sleeves and went toe to toe with the best of intentions and full gusto. Although I may have sometimes questioned your sanity, I've always respected your lack of cattiness and as well as your unwillingness to pull your punches.

Once you're back in the states I look forward to having the opportunity to shake your hand one day.

I wish you a safe voyage and all the best.

Dear Steven,

I will miss your lengthy narrations and insightful commentary as well. You have such a wonderful way with words that I often feel I am reading a novel, rather then a critique.

I am happy to hear that you are taking your family to safer grounds and wish you a hassle free, ultra smooth move to the States.

Check in now and then and let us know how you are doing and let us know when we might return the favor of offering you some help to make the transition easier.

Dear Steven,

Like Enzie, I too will miss your thoughtful and detailed commentary at the Forum. I look forward to hearing from you again, once you are back to the States.

All the best,
Mai

To Every Thing, A Season
 

I advised the Board yesterday that I have made a decision to bring all my artistic focus to bear on studio productivity, marketing, and skills improvement in the coming year, and that I am accordingly going to relinquish my administrative scented-wax seal, Moderator's mood ring, and License to Pontificate on the Forum.

I will probably lurk around to respond to any transitional matters that might arise, and I'll log on to annoy people once in a while, but it is otherwise time for me to take my own good advice and "Show Up and Pay Attention" in my studio.

It was an honor to be asked to assist in administering this premier site, and I shall likely be chatting again with many of you members in an unofficial capacity. I have acquired many friends for life through the experience.

But now I'm also going to be vying for more of that limited gallery space out there, so keep your pencils sharp.

Cheers
Steven

Dear Steven:
You showed me dignity, professionalism...
I believe that you'll be a comeback boy,
If not you, then who?

Steven,

I look forward to see your personal strivings.

Allan

Steven,
Please don't disappear completely - you are one of my favorites here on the forum. I especially need to thank you for all the help and insight you have given me in drawing critiques. I can't imagine how Cindy will find a better moderator. Your retiring of the "seal" is a real loss for me, but I have learned so much from you and I have saved every critique you have ever given me.

"Show up and pay attention" has gotten me from my apartment to my classes on more than one cold, wintery Cleveland evening when I did not feel like going out to drawing class!!!

I am confident you are making a good decision. No doubt you will take off from your own studio in developing your art career further. I sure hope you plan on posting your paintings here for us to enjoy.

Truly, I pray the best of luck to you and all your endeavors. Perhaps we will meet someday in a workshop!! You are a man of very high integrity, honesty, humor, wisdom, and most of all - Talent and Dedication to portraiture.

God Bless, Steven
and Many thanks!!!
Patty Joyce

Steven, good choice. I look forward to seeing what you produce. And thank you for your wonderful critiques, I've learned much from reading them.
Happy painting!
Debra

Steven,
Thanks for your efforts as critiques moderator. Your critiques have always been very helpful to me. Best wishes as you pursue your artistic goals, and I hope to see your postings of your new works soon.

Steven,

You're a class act and much appreciated. I hope I can some day meet you since we both live in this tiny little state :D

Your help writing that biography for the book was invaluable - I want you to know how much I appreciated that. You are extremely generous.

All the Best
 

Dear Steven,

As a recipient of your kindness, I want to thank you for your generosity. Your wit, and knowledge is appreciated. Muchas Gracias Steven, will miss your posts, and hope you will return soon.

And All the Best to your new focus, Magdalena

I hope you will post some of your work here, I want to see what your are really capable of. I've been the grateful recipient of many of your detailed critiques and consider you one of my favorite teachers, you've been one of my "angels" on my shoulder.

Jean

Dear Steven, I have relied on your very descriptive skills in the critiquing of others work for quite some time. It has helped me see the light even clearer because you spend the time in writing so well, and always accompanied with your wit. I hope you will still get some time to share your unique wit and charm and of course artistic know how to this forum from time to time.

Like others have said before me, I too know you are one of the special people on this forum that has given so much of your self into helping others. Thank you for logging on and sharing your valuable advice to me and the other apprentices here on this forum. Your kindness and generosity is overwhelming.

One More Thanks
 

Steven -

One more thanks for all the time you have generously given to others. Your critiques are treasures, and thanks to this forum, can be perused by others in the future to continue their own learning process.

Grateful acceptance of all your graciousness and generosity, and now, after a couple of very satisfying and productive weeks in my studio, I will come back with lyrics from a favorite Michael Johnson performance, and hope you will all walk me 'round your gardens with future Forum posts as your own wishes become fulfilled. (I am not soliciting responses and, with humility, thanks, and best wishes to all, will now lock this thread -- in perpetuity, as we say at the bar.)

Walk Me Round Your Garden
By Dick Pinney
Mountain Railroad Music (ASCAP)

For all you mad musicians when your dreams of fortune melt
For all the crazy artists locked up painting for themselves
For all the captive dancers in their motion sickness hell
Well I hope that it goes well
And I hope somehow you sell to someone sometime

And you're all dressed up like paradise
But when it's goodbye to the crowd
Won't you walk me round your garden
Before your sun goes down

For all the politicians with their conscience for the earth
For all the aging teachers looking round so far from birth
For all excited scientists who run for all they're worth
Well I hope that it goes well
And I hope somehow you sell to someone sometime

And you're all dressed up like paradise
But when it's goodbye to the crowd
Won't you walk me round your garden
Before your sun goes down

Well I hope that it goes well
And I hope somehow you sell to someone sometime

And you're all dressed up like paradise
But when it's goodbye to the crowd
Won't you walk me round your garden
Before your sun goes down