[Kimberly Dow]

I have wondered before about the notable absence of some of our distinguished colleagues on these threads. The ones who use photographs primarily. I figured they didnt feel the need to defend or explain their use of tools to help their paintings.

There is another reason perhaps. This is a 'portrait' artist site. It is googled regularly by artists and clients. If I did more commissions I would not have even put my 2-cents in on a thread where it is indicated that the clients have no taste. I assume that the artists making a living at only commissions enjoy what they do - or they would be doing something else. They enjoy the challenge of merging their skill and vision with that of the clients. Several of us yapping on this thread do figuratives for a living. It is a completely different ballgame since we paint our vision without having to please anyone - but sell it later.

Or...perhaps our colleagues who use photos to aid them...are just too busy painting Governors and Senators to bother with this thread. Then of course there are the ones that will be picking up their awards at the PSA conference next week.

Im sure that when their waiting lists thin down, after they cash their checks and after they hang their awards...they will find the time to be ashamed of their use of tools. Or perhaps not.

oh - and I agree with Steven that over a nice casual table and pitcher would be much better for discussing this. And then when finished - whoever can afford to pay for the pitchers is the winner.