[Garth Herrick]

Hi Garth,

I agree with Linda; what a terrific little face! There is a whole lot to like about this painting. The composition is great. Looking at the grayscale version I would swear I was looking at the photograph, so perfect is your capture! In color, it has a good bit of punch, but as Linda points out they are colors dictated by the photograph, and we can tell.

To be honest, I am in the same dilemma at this moment on a photo based portrait, and your little painting is far more successful than the other Garth's. But I am trying to get away from the photographic look. I spent an hour the other day just watching the kids I am painting as they played in the cool March sunshine. To look at them, the colors were fresh and vibrant, even in the shadows, which look nothing like the camera said they did. I will struggle on......

I had a little fun with your image in Photoshop. I don't know if there is any convincing point to make but I was trying to bring values closer together toward what might be seen in life..... well it still looks like a photo.... oh, well I just wanted to see what would happen. I like your original version as much.

Garth