Prodigy portrait artist

[Sharon Knettell]

Richard,

Actually I painted quite well as a child. If websites had been available then I am sure my mother would have gotten me one.

Unfortunately, I cleaned out my mother's house after her death and threw the stuff out so I can't post it.

Since you seem to be conversant with the field of psychiatry, what comments exactly do you think that they would take exception to or interest in?

[Richard Monro]

Sharon

First of all let me say that I am a great admirer of your talent and your beautiful paintings.

Second, why do you think my comment was directed at you? Others fit the bill as well. In any case I find it curious when any professional has a reaction to someone else's work product that seems to go beyond the measure of professionalism. What in that person's life experiences produces such a strong reaction. Not for me to know, but certainly worthy of some self examination.

Thirdly, my comments past the first sentence in my initial comment are still valid. The girl has talent and has shown significant growth in the 4 years of art work that is shown on her web site.

I'm happy that you painted well at an early age. I didn't have that gift. Sorry that all that early art is gone. I would have loved to have seen it. Future art historians would probably give their eye teeth to be able to get thier hands on it as well.

Keep up the incredible art and may peace of soul bless all of us.

[Sharon Knettell]

Richard,

Thank you for your kind comments on my work. It is greatly appreciated.

I did not assume the comment was meant only for me, but was interested in what comments, both mine and others would have been of significance.

I am not saying the child isn't talented, but in my humble opinion she needs a gentler greenhouse and more sensitive direction than she is getting now.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Richard Monro

Second, why do you think my comment was directed at you? Others fit the bill as well. .

Who would that be, Richard? I would think that lots of people could have a strong objection to how young children are marketed without necessarily needing a psychiatrist.

[Molly Sherrick Phifer]

Correct me if I'm wrong, Richard, but I am supposing that the psychiatrist remark was simply a way of saying that our comments on another person's life/work often says more about us than it says about them. This would apply to all comments, both supportive and critical. An interesting thought and point of introspection which I don't think is meant to imply someone needs psychiatric help.

By the way, I think you are all fascinating and wonderful.

[Richard Monro]

Molly,

Thank you. You are absolutely correct. What I am fascinated by are the number of negative reactions derived from the relatively scanty information that was found on Akiane's website.

I appreciate my fellow artist's concern about the exploitation of children, but does the evidence support that concern? Read her poetry. It shows a very caring and engaged young lady. Wonderful traits for any person. Also. the website states that Akiane donates a significant number of her paintings to various charities. Doesn't that indicate that rather then exploiting Akiane, her parents have taught her to be a loving, generous child? If so I applaud them. Those are qualities very lacking in our self serving world.

What about the marketing of her art? Isn't that helping her to do the very things she loves while simultaneously teaching her very valuable business skills she will need when she does go out on her own?

What about the copying and tracing? Copyright holders would have been on her like a bad rash if she were doing that. Apparently that hasn't happened even with all the publicity she has received. Doesn't that indicate her art is original?

Cynthia Daniels has set a very high ethical and moral standard for this forum. i applaud her for setting the bar so high. Forum members have been extraordinary in helping and encouraging each other in keeping with those standards. Therefore why not continue to keep that wonderful spirit alive and vibrant by looking for the best? It is easy to find the negative, but it is focusing on the good that really helps people grow.

[Mary Reilly]

Richard, well said.