Toni

Garth Herrick · 04-06-2006, 01:34 AM

Hi folks,

Here is a relatively quick and modest portrait of a very nice doctor for a women's clinic. Toni is simply dressed in her professional way. Her background is a large abstract painting that has personal significance to her. What could be more simple? This was realized both from photographs and several live sittings. Among other things, I painted her navy jacket from life, which is interesting because there is virtually no blue in most the painted navy color (color interpretation being a relative thing). I hope Toni's kind nature comes through.

30 x 23 inches, oil on linen (Fredrix Rix double lead-oil primed). As always, your generous feedback is appreciated.

Garth

Julie Deane · 04-06-2006, 06:52 AM

Hi Garth -

This is lovely. Wish she was MY doctor - the warm tones match the warmth of her smile. Simple and beautiful.

Mischa Milosevic · 04-06-2006, 07:09 AM

Garth, this is fabulous! Her nature is coming through loud and clear no doubt about it. Grate job! Such excellent variations in skin ton. You have depicted the hands so wonderfully. Please, I would love to see close ups eye, cheek, chin, and neck shadows. and closer on the hands please.

Garth you and your work have been an inspiration in many ways. Thank you!

Regards,
mischa

P.S. The portrait of A. Bocelli done by shanks was held in/at a small church near the Fortezza Firmafede, Sarzana 2004. He had also exhibited some of his works at the Forteza like like the Portrait J.P. II amongst others. I got to spend a day there and it was quite educational. We talked about his portrait of Bocelli and he was quite sad that he did not have a chance to finish it.

John Reidy · 04-06-2006, 07:44 AM

Hello Garth,

Very nice! I know Toni loves it. The simple is beautiful when done well and you have done better than well.

And once again you have raised the bar for the rest of us. I feel like I did when I was six trying to play basketball with my older brother. If I keep at it someday I'll be able to play as well.

Thanks for sharing.

Terri Ficenec · 04-06-2006, 07:57 AM

Garth, this is gorgeous! Her expression is so warm and comfortable, natural. I especially love how you've handled her hands and those glasses, and the dual light source. Spectacular!

Richard Monro · 04-06-2006, 09:09 AM

Garth,
What a warm and inviting painting. She looks like she could step out of the painting and be your best friend. Capturing such human qualities is always difficult and you have done a masterful job...as always!

Chris Saper · 04-06-2006, 09:41 AM

Dear Garth,

Another fabuous painting! It's so- well- right. Congratulations!

Sharon Knettell · 04-06-2006, 09:59 AM

A beautiful painting Garth.

How fortunate to have client willing to sit, her warmth shines through.

Garth Herrick · 04-06-2006, 10:39 AM

Dear Julie, Mischa, John, Terri, Richard, Chris, and Sharon,

What a delightful greeting from each of you; my sincere appreciation!

Toni is a warm person, and an instant friend, Although she was not originally completely comfortable with having her portrait for the clinic, it is something of an understanding that each partner in the practice will have his or her portrait commissioned when they turn fifty. She is the youngest of them; I have done three other partner's commissions over the last few years. I do have to admit, Toni's is my favorite. She seems so comfortable. I know she is a wonderful doctor.

Julie, I'm sure Toni would enjoy working for you too.

Mischa, the detail is not more than impressionistic here. If all insist, I'll produce a closer-up view, but I don't think there is much more to see. I tend to envy everyone here that produces flawless sharp details routinely. I have been satisfied with the suggestion of more than there actually is painted.

John, the bar? I didn't notice it move yet; don't worry!

Terri, the dual ight source is always tricky. Thanks for your compliments. I did a setup on location with one of my Lowel Tota-lites (halogen). That certainly adds some warmth. Just be careful to have a similar light on the canvas while painting, as is on the subject. Yes, I can get into trouble at times.

Thanks Richard, she's an instant best friend. That could not have been understated.

Dear Chris, and Sharon, thanks, I was fortunate that she could sit. Photos just don't yet measure up for color. She might have ended up with greenish hair! It has a soft reddish cast, the camera did not pick up.

Garth

Linda Brandon · 04-06-2006, 10:43 AM

Oh Garth, another knockout of a painting, with great warmth and virtuosity of style. I love the idea of putting a figure in front of another painting.

I always get a feeling of approachability when I see your subjects, they draw the viewer toward them. This isn't easy to do.

I think you need to explain "velaturea" to me again, by the way.

It's beautiful, Garth!