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Dear Jeffery,   You asked, "Would you tell me if, in a time before you achieved significant achievement and recognition with your paintings, you struggled financially--if at all--or doubted your desire to become an artist? And if so, did being an illustrator first make the transition easier or more logical?"   No one has asked me that question before. I had to think about it before giving to you a reply. I'm not sure what your situation is, but you appear to be the primary income earner in your family. Do I remember this correctly? And that you have a full-time job but not in [...]

Dear Jeffery,   As I read your latest blog you forwarded to me, I like it. The "Chemistry of Value" hits an issue that is not talked about often enough. What I would add is what I have called "The Better Outhouse" story. It goes like this:   Back in the old days families in farming communities used outhouses and chamber pots. This is similar to everyone painting today, (no pun intended). The visionary did not go forward to build a better outhouse or chamber pot, but goes and invents indoor plumbing. This is the key to establishing value for any of us.    Value is created [...]

  Dear Jeffery,   You asked me to expand my thoughts on what I meant by "dark corners". Yes, I did like that element of design--whether by plan or fiat--in your paintings. In truth, this calls back to a very old principle of design too often forgotten on over half the work I see realist artists painting today. I'm not sure if I can speak to it scientifically, but aesthetically, I think something can be learned.   Remember this: Good paintings use good design for the sake of good design, but great paintings capture the viewer's eye through the tools of good design. The difference, I [...]

Dear Jeff,   I enjoy that we will keep correspondance! If you will politely not use my name, I will certainly permit you to post my thoughts on your blog, as requested. Thank you for honoring my request of seeing your entire inventory of paintings this year via the PowerPoint. That was helpful. Indeed, I have selected the four paintings that I can tell speak to what you are capable of doing, and I will share with you what I believe are the hints and signals that will benefit your work immediately.   First, I am compelled to address one thing by addressing another. What [...]