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Artist:

ichael Shane Neal is a brilliant young artist who is already, early in his career, attracting international acclaim. He works in a direct, painterly manner, with a strong architectural solidity to his forms and a delightfully fresh grasp of light and shade.

This striking plein air portrait places the sitter in a twilight of open shade in the foreground, set off by a sizzling splash of sunlight on the lawn behind. The effect is simply stunning.

This painting rewards study. The cool, limpid tones that define the head, hands and figure are exactly right. The cool side-lighting on the forehead and the left hand is delicious. And the splash of brilliant sunlight in the background is both daring and highly effective.

This kind of thoroughly convincing work is based on good, clear observation and very organized thinking in the execution. The sunlight glinting on the eyeglasses and ring are masterstrokes. Congratulations to an important young artist for a resounding performance. J.H.S.