Mischa--Thanks very much

Carlos--I appreciate these words from a master himself.

Chris--Always rewarding to hear from you. See you in Reston.

Alex--There has been a breakthrough in thinking after seeing the show. I will probably be more comfortable with pushing the color from here on. I had felt that I needed to see those paintings at this time in my development particularly.

Julie--Thanks a lot! Richard Schmid said that when you take up painting you take on something that can't be mastered, and he's right. After every horizon is another horizon.

Well-Judged
 

This commands attention, then allows the viewer to settle down into it the narrative of the character of this man, and finally delights in the bravura of your technique. "Show them what the paint can do," is a lesson echoed by many masters I have studied with. You have done that here without compromising your subject. Bravo!

Jeanine--

Thanks so much for this affirmation!

--TE

Hi Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think this is one of my favorites at all time of yours, and one of the best judicial portraits around. Beautifully painted as always, and I especially love the composition and pose. You really get of sense of personality from the subject, and I think it's by what you left in and out of the composition that makes it so.

I've nevered pursued Judicial or Military work as they seem such a stringent template to work within, but this excels at being a traditional portrait and a 21st century humanistic portrait at the same time.


Congrats, and I hope all is well.
Linda

Linda--

Thanks so much! I like the military and judicial portraits exactly for that reason--it's a challenge deal with all of the required details and still get to the spirit of the person.

Best--TE

Tom, what can I add that has not already been said? I like not only the painting, but also how you share your goals and triumphs in each painting. You have definitely achieved everything you have set out to do. Congratulations!

Thanks a lot, Enzie!

How could I have missed this one?!

I also feel this may be your personal best, Tom, and one of the best official portraits I've seen. Definitely one I will flag to look at again later for further study.

Ditto!
 

Dear Tom,

This is spectacular, and an exemplary essay in paint! It is easy to rate this portrait as your finest. I am ashamed, in company with Michele, for not addressing this masterwork sooner. Congratulations! The way you have composed this judge truly conveys his strength of character, and is in every respect a great success! May this segway into more and greater opportunities in future commissions. I can't imagine why it won't!


Best,

Garth

Michele--Thanks so much. Hope everything's going your way.

Garth--Great to hear from you and hope all is well there in Philadelphia. Thanks again for having me up...I'm finding that what we three saw there was exactly the right thing at the right time for me.

Best to you both, as always!
--TE