Ms. Loretta

[Mike McCarty]

Carolyn,

Thanks for your kind remarks.

In the two photos above, part of my reason for posting them was to demonstrate the effect a white foam board can have on the shadow side of the subject.

As to art programs, I have not attended any. After plodding along for so many years without any instruction I think I was beginning to develop an attitude. This "self-taught" notion was starting to show up as a "badge of courage." Something which was a kind of perverse source of pride. I've taken it this far on my own, by golly, I can surely take it the rest of the way.

This of course is pure nonsense.

Having spent a good deal of time studying the resources of this Forum, I believe that I can no longer with honesty proclaim myself to be a self-taught artist. I shall stand on the bow of the ship (hopefully something large and private) and toss my badge into the deep. Then retire back to the cabin and a nice pate de foie gras.