[Jimmie Arroyo]

I especially like the asymmetry and diagonal of the figure with the symmetrical background

Thank you, because as simple as it is, it took a lot of thinking, planning and several sketches. I've never been one for creating backgrounds, but I'm kinda pleased with this one.

It's amazing you can get this accomplished on vacation

I've never taken a vacation where I didn't work. I hate the feeling of thinking that I'm wasting time.

You could paint or draw in a cave with no light and it would come out beautifully.

Maybe I'll try that next,

Did you do the background from an actual wall, or is it your own invention

I actually found inspiration during vacation. The patterns were variations of fabrics that were in the room, I just knew I wanted to use those colors. Figuring out which direction the vines would come from took some trial and error. The faded vines behind the more prominent ones was a "last minute" decision after the painting had been signed and considered done.

I just looked at the size, that is one big pastel painting! How did you like working this big? I would really like to see this in person.

Really?, I didn't think it was that big, it's the biggest one I've done, but I'd like to go bigger with the pastels, sorta "Sharonesque". I need to call her and get some advice. I enjoy working bigger, just takes so long to cover the area with small pieces of pastel.

I'm going to enter it in the Allied Artists show this year, so if it gets accepted and you're back in NYC? It was the same time you were in the area last year, which is why I bring it up. Or you could just buy it? I'll give you a great deal!!!

Can we see closeups when you have the time? I admire your tenacity. I get so frustrated in poor light

I'll try to do that within the next few days. I get frustrated with bad lighting, tight spaces, no heat in the winter, no money for models, but.....hmm, I forgot what my point was.

Thanks again everyone.