I am surprised . . .

I am surprised by people's reactions to my paintings. They like how real looking they are. I like that I can set a mood that is gentle, lonely and inviting at the same time. I use acrylic and challenge myself to render the light and shadows with the same facility as I would have with oils. I use glazing the way I would with oils. After pursuing abstractions my whole life, I didn't think I would enjoy painting realism as much as I do.
The Hudson Valley might have something to do with it. Or, maybe it is my age.