raph.com....eh?....yeah...been there...done that...phew Gotta sweat bundles posting there...

You know, when Turtle first started out, she was no better or worse than any of us. We all had our teething period and if we were lucky, we had some people offer us some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. I was one who offered Turtle some advice, and a few others here as well. To my own mind I feel several of them have now surpassed my own abilities, and I revel at each new piece I see them post, almost as if I am a pseudo-surrogate father to their creations. One thing I have always felt about art is that the creator of the piece is probably very proud of their creation. As the saying goes, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like". I can take or leave what I see posted here. I don't like everything I see, I probably don't even open more than one or two pics per page. But when I see something that someone has obviously put some work into, and especially when I see they have put some heart and soul into, I will probably leave a comment. Sometimes helpful, always curteous, never disrespectful. Shonner, you may think that Turtle's work is overdone and needs a change, that's your opinion. Her's is not the most realistic art here, neither is mine, neither is yours. Personally, until I feel I can light a candle to someone like Voodoo and Toxic Angel, I KNOW I can stand some improvement. We can all grow. If you have a suggestion, make it. To criticise without a solution is sophmoric.

I wouldn't worry about Turtle if I were you. I'm sure she can handle only one person here not being interested in her artwork. If 100,000 people here say she's all that, why worry yourselves over what I think. Why do you feel you have to defend for her? Don't you guys have any confidence in your choosing of whose art you like? You act like Turtle's self esteem has been shattered beyond repair now even though thousands of people here love her work. If you think I was calling her artwork crap, then you missed the whole point (ie. weren't paying attention, try reading again). Because now you are wasting my time. SHONNER http://www.shonner.com

If you're time is so valuable, perhaps you should stay off the internet. I'm not "worried" about Turtle, she's a big girl and has nothing to be concerned about, but she is my friend, and I will speak as highly of her as I please. I am also not "worried" over what you think about anything. I'd have to care to be worried.

Leah Honey... your work is wonderful...!!!, you have developed a Great style and technique... and I enjoy every single image that your wonderful creativity produces... your artwork is beautiful and your scenery work magnificent... please keep them coming... just follow your own instinct always... a big hug...!!!