[Tom Edgerton]

Well, you all are very kind. I appreciate the good words.

Julie-- There are a lot of repetitive s-curves. I started to see them and bring them out as I worked. She took that very elegant, grownup line when she sat down, and I almost jumped out of my skin! (She's still a little bitty thing.) I tried the background without the middle-distance cedars, but the eye went too deep and kept going, so I put them back in (the twin trees were really in the scene). This was a good example of an "arranged vista," that landscapers love. The story was that the husband came home for lunch and about fifty tree cutters were felling some VERY large trees to make that tunnel to the lake--it was originally all forest. I give the client credit for her vision, as it's a beautiful spot.

Linda--It always helps to have another eye. I'm not sure it's all resolved even now, but I'm moving on to the next painting. Thanks again for everything!

Garth--I tried some shrubs at the bottom, but they pulled the eye down. So I went for less is more, for better or worse. I appreciate your comments so much! See you in Dallas.

Mischa--Thank goodness there are the masters to look back to when struggling with the painting!

Thanks again to everyone. I'll draw energy from your comments for today's work.

Love to all artists, everywhere--TE