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It will be a cold day in hell before I attempt another painting like this that requires so much invention, editing, and 'fixing' during a very long process.  However, I will always benefit from what I learned by putting myself through this torture and have no regrets for seeing this through.  I'm anxious to see if it improves future work.

Utilizing about 15 photographs to assemble an idea was not the easiest or smartest way to achieve this endeavor.  Easier would have been to set up or 'stage' the idea therefore getting the complete picture before embarking on the actual painting.  I should learn from Max Ginsburg.. a genius and master of his time.  He initially hires models, poses them, studies and sketches them before putting together his multi-figure works.  What a great idea!!  I used random photographs to piece together like a puzzle.  It took me almost three months to complete this painting.  Am I pleased?  Do I like the painting?  Not at the moment.  I have looked at this painting for so long, I can't even see it any more, and will always find things that could be better.  But, for now, it's the best I can do with it, and I'm going to put it away for awhile and pull it out later.....  then I can judge it with fresh eyes.

(6 weeks later....) OK, OK...  Now I have gone on to other things, and gotten away from this project.  Looking at it now, I feel much differently than while in the midst of resolving the many issues than I encountered in this piece.  What I love about this piece, is the story.  And to tell that story every piece had to fit together the right way.  It currently hangs at my gallery space in Crossroads Art Center in Richmond, VA.  (p.s.  I have a feeling I will, again, create a painting of this nature.  :-)