Allow me to introduce myself
 

Hello All: I enter with butterflies and shaky legs. Not only am I a newcomer to this distinguished forum, I am a newcomer to the art of portraiture, having just recently awakened/recovered from 25-years in public relations. I consider those years my dormant stage, even though they were productive in their own way. Painting portraits is my heart's work, and what I truly feel whole doing. I am honored to be in the company of so many brilliant artists, and humbly ask for your assistance and guidance as I step foot into this beautiful and challenging new arena. I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world to be part of a community of artists and to have the joy of painting portraits. It's been a long time coming, but now that it's here, I couldn't be more happy. I have much to learn...much to accomplish. This forum will be invaluable for me. Thank you all, in advance, for what you will teach me.

Jean-Marie Koch

Welcome Jean-Marie!

In my eyes you're not a "newcomer"! I liked your work very much.

Welcome Jean-Marie, we are happy you found us!

A very warm welcome to you Jean-Marie. I too am glad you found this forum of kindred spirits.

Thank you
 

Thank you. I'm not sure quite how to do this yet....but I'll give it my best shot. Thanks for the welcome.

Thank you! I'm still trying to figure out how the replies work. I think I did this twice! But thanks for the welcome.
Jean-Marie

Jean-Marie,
So glad you finally showed your face here. It has really been a pleasure getting to know you over the past few months and you truly are one of the sweetest people I've had the pleasure to meet. Your work is top-notch and you will fit in well with this special group of uniquely talented people. Jump right in here and post to your heart's content!

You can view Jean-Marie's work at:
http://jeanmarieportraits.com

Thank you, Heidi: And to think I met you by poking around A Stroke of Genius! You have done an incredible job on my website and I couldn't have found a nicer more patient person to work with. Thank you for taking me from mediocre to professional with the beautiful website you created for me and for helping me in so many ways. Some day I will leave chilly Oregon and visit you in sunny Arizona. I'll get to see first hand how you create those amazing sculptures. You won't mind if I take some ideas back home with me, will you?
I have so many questions to ask of this group of artists it's hard to know where to begin, so I think I'll just read some of the posted messages and see where I fit in. Thanks for being here for me!
Jean-Marie

Dear Jean-Marie,

Welcome to the Forum! I enjoyed visiting your site, and seeing your picture with my dear friend Wanda Kemper, who must surely be one of the loveliest people anywhere. It's good to know you are carrying on the Lake Oswego torch!

Chris: I have your book! Wanda showed it to me at her home and shared with me about her friendship with you. Did you do a painting of her, and she one of you? And, yes, she is such a blessing in my life...you have no idea. She is in California now and I miss her every single day. If not for Wanda, I would still be slugging it out in the PR field. She was an answer to prayer. But, if you know her, you don't need me to sing her praises.
I looked at your website and see that I have some work to do perfecting my technique! Ha! Better get your book out!
Thanks for the welcome,
Jean-Marie