[Garth Herrick]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for this thread. I'm so late to join in! Thanks to all for the great supportive comments!

I think Alex and I both were surprised we were the only ones to demonstrate painting a portrait, last night; and I tried to pretend there weren't a room full of eyes scrutinizing every brush stroke at first. I think for both of us, it was our first public demonstration experience. All I could think was that I did not want to publically screw up or come to a hesitating point of indecision! The audience had a few tough questions and comments along the way. I did not have a perfect answer for everything, but people seemed adequately entertained and mesmerized by the rapid progress of our portraits. I gradually became acustomed and accepting to the attention we were given.

Friends came out I did not expect: an online friend with the PAFA Fellowship, I never met in person; a devoted student of Studio Incamminati; a professional commercial photographer, who commandeered my camera to document me painting; and a former student. A couple of scheduled evening painting classes took time out to absorb the demonstration too. All very flattering!

My portrait subject was the Chairman of the Board of the Wayne Art Center; a delightful soft-spoken gentleman. He sat casually in a two-hundred year old Sheraton Fancy Chair, I provided, although to be sure, that chair became completely hidden; still I think it suited him well. I began with a neutral toned canvas (not my usual, but the ground was toned with Golden Acrylic's Neutral Grey # 6). This happened to be a great counterpoint to the warm palette of color samples presented by my subject. Building from the middle gray, I first organized the portrait with some darks and shadows, then built some highlight masses on top of the gray. It makes an easy rapid way to paint. Two hours was not quite enough to wrap things up, but that was all the time we had.

Like Alex, I found the experience nervewracking and fun, simultaneously. I possibly appeared to exude more confidence at the easel than I actually felt within. At any rate I was surprised at the positive response from the audience. I somehow expected more critique. It was a rewarding experience! The photos may be a little misleading, in conveying that we possibly smiled and laughed the whole time! I think there were serious questioning moments of decision too.

I was envious Alex had such a pretty girl to paint. She did an admirable portrait of her! I think it was good showmanship on the part of the Art Center to provide two great subject models.

Now for some pictures: Alex already provided the first, but I want to test the color profiling here with another posting.

Next is a closer up shot of me with my portrait (Thanks Lydia).

Third is an action shot from behind (thanks to John Chew, Jr.).

Last is a rehanging of my portraits in the Gallery. The "President Judge" is unveiled.

Garth