[Rob Sullivan]

My sincere thanks to you, Mr. Whitaker, for such a flattering and inspirational post. I am a big admirer of your work and am fairly speechless that you see such quality in mine.

I must admit, my focus over the past year or so has been on the landscape, as I'm doing fairly well with them career-wise. But (and isn't this always the way?) my true passion is for the figure and portrait. If I could paint figures outdoors for the rest of my life and have a decent market for it, I would be one happy camper.

Your affirmation of my abilities in portraiture helps to keep that dream alive. I'm fortunate to be practicing art for a living, period - and I do not want to appear ungrateful for that gift. But, there is a part of this garden that is not yielding much fruit, despite its potential. I just have to find the time and opportunity to tend it more.