First of all, I am glad you have been enjoying the Artist’s Studio. I think it is a great idea and have had a lot of fun participating. It definitely makes it more interesting for me when there are questions and comments, so thank you for yours.

Coincidentally, your question is the subject of my next post. Yes, Henry Rearden is much older (he is described as looking young for forty-five) than my primary model (he is eighteen…good guess). It can be surprisingly difficult to find people that have the look you need for a painting, let alone people who are willing to model. Let me assure you, however, that I will address this problem before the painting is finished, and there will not be an eighteen year old steel tycoon in the picture.

I have watched with fascination and awe as your works have come to life before our eyes on this terrific site feature. I first read Atlas Shrugged in the late 60s - recklessly dating myself. But it seems to me that Henry Rearden would be an older man. In this first sketch, he looks like he might be stretching to make 21 years. Thoughts?