Samantha

[Mike McCarty]

I was meaning Rykers Island. Too much island rum.

[Jim Riley]

Marvin,

Finding the words adequate enough to express my level of appreciation of this painting will fall short of the techinical and emotional impact that it provides. Please accept
Very well done.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thank you Jim. I'm very touched by your sentiments.

[Janel Maples]

Marvin,

For what it is worth, I think you are a gem yourself. I've said it before and I will say it again, not everyone who paints really good is a really good teacher. I am proud to be on the list of people who choose to learn from you.

Just one thing.........can you get me there sooner? ; )

How do you sleep at night knowing you can paint like this? She is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful!

[Marvin Mattelson]

Thanks for the acknowledgment. I m very thankful to be able to do what I do. I don't think it makes me better than anyone else, just different. People who are arrogant because they excel at something are missing the point. Every day is a blessed event.

I believe true artists always have an eye peeled toward improving, regardless of their level of achievement. I know the more I learn, the greater my thirst for knowledge.

My to-do lists are filled with far more entries that I can ever hope to get to. When my head hits the pillow there is no problem asleep.

[Ngaire Winwood]

Wow Marvin, What else can I say that everyone here has already said.

Thank you for logging on and sharing your truly special talent and skills and for being such a nice guy.

Question: If I became a stowaway on a ship bound for America, could I find my way to your Atlanta workshop?

My only problem is here I am with my bag, paintbrushes and $20 in my hand, I am walking out my front door to find a ship/plane/truck/spaceship, to take me to one of your workshops straight away, just as I hear my 14 year old son in the background crying to me saying, "Don't leave Mum, who will cook and clean for me, I am too young to be left alone, aren't I more important than your art career"?

Hmmmmm, ?@#!#... as I sit on the front stairs with my bags and brushes in my hand, one foot ready for takeoff but my heart saying to stay.

Hmmmmmmm, Marvin please live a long time so when I save enough money so I too can gain the valuable tuition that others here talk about. **** Pacific ocean, why would it have to get in the road of my career.

(Ten minutes later....) Bummer.......the heart strings of a mother are too hard to break!!!!!

[Janel Maples]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

People who are arrogant because they excel at something are missing the point.

Funny you should say this. My husband and I had such a discussion the other morning over coffee.

And he said, "Arrogance is a misuse of greatness, and an insult to devotion. Humility is the only gracious response to reverence."

It took me a few seconds to digest it, then I really liked it.

[Renee Price]

Marvin,

Like Denise, I've been away for awhile and I come back to see this gorgeous painting! What a treat! Sylvia was my favorite, but this little darling has stolen my heart. I love the simplicity and the unfinished look--there is nothing to distract from her alabaster skin . Not many people can pull that off well, and obviously you have pulled it off and then some! To say that she is stunning is an understatement; my best complement has to be this--she breathes.

I hope you and your family are doing well.

love,

Renee

[Timothy Mensching]

...

[Marvin Mattelson]

Couldn't find the words? Who are you and what have you done with Tim?

All kidding aside, I appreciate your remarks and I'm quite flattered you feel that way. As you know it's important to me to keep getting better. I place a lot of pressure on myself to keep pushing the envelope. It wouldn't be much fun any other way. It's especially gratifying when someone of your ability and intelligence acknowledges some success in that regard.

I just hope I don't screw up the next one.