Posthumous portrait
 

This is the third of my "Blue Trilogy." It's a posthumous portrait done from a small (2") black and white photo showing her from the neck up, in an evening dress . The canvas is 60" tall.

I rented a period suit, and an antique vase, and posed a cousin for the overall composition. I realize this is pretty loaded in terms of detail (for me) but I just wanted to explore incorporating a fairly weighty still life, just for the challenge of painting it--I wanted to see if I could balance a "bouquet that ate Cleveland" against a simple suit (plus, I just like glads). Overall, it may work more or less well, but I'm trying to push myself in complexity and be more ambitious. The curve and alignment of the stem in her hand actually happened that way, and fortunately I saw it and didn't mess it up.

This lady lived a good deal longer than this period, unfortunately with Alzheimer's disease in the last decade of her life. But as a result, her husband donated millions toward establishing a research facility for the ailment at Duke University Medical Center.

Best--TE

Absolutely wonderful, Tom. I think the composition is great; very well balanced. I especially like the soft color harmony throughout, giving this dignified woman's portrait an elegantness it deserves.

Sincerely,

I think it works well, Tom, and the face is just marvellous. Thanks for including the closeup of the features. I don't know how you managed to find that much very convincing detail in a two-inch black and white. Congratulations!

To die for!
 

You have just hit that proverbial "new level" you're always mumbling about. Now what are you gonna do next? Beautiful.

Sorry about the horrible pun in the title above. Just couldn't resist.

Thanks, everyone!

As always, there are things I would do differently, but as I said, I'm trying to push forward.

Marvin, glad you think it works well enough. As you know, the only thing beyond the horizon is another horizon. But would we want it otherwise..?

Best--TE

PS...If it weren't pressure enough, the commissioning foundation gave me a reference scrapbook of her, and the first page I turned to was a portrait of this same woman in middle age by Howard Chandler Christy. After picking myself up off the floor, I studied her and realized it wasn't particularly good. Found out later the family didn't like it either.

Tom,

This is stunning and sophisticated, yet so elegant! The composition is simply harmonic. For a frankenstein equivalent challenge, this is entirely successful and dignifying. I am in awe.

Garth

Tom, amen to all previous posts. This is a tasteful and sympathetic portrayal of a gracious lady. Your technique continues to amaze me.

Folks, I appreciate the affirmation and reassurance a great deal. I just finished it and, as you all know, I'm in the "should of/ could of/ would of" stage.

I'll try to get over it.--TE

Lovely portrait Tom. It's soft and warm and sophisticated. I am sure the family is very proud of this one.
Alicia

Love the color harmonies, Tom. I particularly like how you've matched the colors of the figure (blue clothing with peach skintones) with the vase and flowers.

Just where does one rent a suit like that?

Thanks for posting the closeup. It has those trademark "Edgerton eyes" that I'd recognize anywhere.

Michele--

Thanks...It was a neat experience in itself. There is a community theater group in a neighboring town that I was referred to by a costume designer at our local university. They are one of the oldest community theater ensembles in the region. The costume shop is over 75 years old, with a bank of washing machines and 3 or 4 volunteer seamstresses at the sewing machines. The woman who directs the shop has an encyclopedic knowledge of what they have, fortunately, because there are racks and racks of costumes and used clothing crammed together, and only she knows where things are. They have boxes on shelves labeled with such things as "Red Shoes" and "Pith Helmets." They rented me the suit for twenty dollars, and since my cousin is a regular part of the acting ensemble, she was my collateral. I could have rummaged through the place all afternoon if I'd only had time.

These kinds of connections are in most communities, and local colleges and universities are a great place to gather leads on such--it just takes a little digging.

Thanks again--TE

(Amazingly, the suit fit perfectly with no alterations whatsoever.)

I have one or two of those suits in my closet! :oops: Classic style with peplum waist. Of course one of my NY resolutions is to clean out that closet.
Alicia

Thanks, Tom. Now I'll know what to do next time I want to paint a portrait with people wearing pith helmets, too!

Tom,

I'm always curious about how commissions get consumated, especially something that was born of such humble beginnings. Did someone bring this small photo to you and instruct you to create something from your own imagination, or, did you first see this photo and suggest to them what the possibilities could be?

Obviously the trust required to begin a project like this (so much from so little) was justified.

Mike--

The foundation gave me a reference scrapbook, but that was all the input from them. I went to see the space and told them it needed to be fairly large to carry it. I quoted a price range, and that was that. No creative input, just trust. I had worked with this foundation before--I've painted the woman's husband twice--and they pretty much just leave all the details up to me by now. The family wasn't involved in the process, except to indicate that she indeed occasionally arranged flowers. The painting was driven by my artistic and compositional interests at the time, and all I did was show the foundation president a quick color rough with the head shot I had chosen, both for expression and because it documented the middle (vital) period of her life, when most folks remember her.

In short, they're the PERFECT client, and I don't take them for granted. The mutual trust is born from them knowing at this point that I will walk over hot coals for them if they ask.

Best--TE

Tom,

Beautiful work! I know we haven't had much opportunity to talk but I'm glad I happened upon your post. What a challenge and what a wonderful job you did in accomplishing it.

My congratulations to you and your satisfied customer(s). Keep up the good work. Its work like yours that keep people like me trying.

John

John, thanks.

Hope to run into you before long.--TE

Tom,

I turned on the news and what did I see? Your smiling face staring back at me.... (Our local news played a clip from the unveiling)

The painting is beautiful and I'm so excited for you! I know how prestigious this commission is and what a great honor it is, but if you want to play it down and act like it's not a big deal, I'll try to play along.... :sunnysmil BTW I'll be going to Duke in a few weeks, so where can I find your painting and will you include a map?

with love,

Renee :cool:

Congratulations on the press coverage, Tom. Well deserved!

Thanks, folks. It was well received...

Renee--I missed it on the news. You didn't happen to tape it?

Best--TE

Beautiful peice Tom - I particularly like the hands - It's gives her a nice flair of personality that is also found in the eyes.

Congrats!
Linda

Tom,

What a beautiful graceful piece.

I cannot imagine being able to do something so graceful with the reference you had. I am sure they loved it!

Tom I am checking in a bit late, but I am so glad to hear of this great commission!

Beautiful painting, Tom. Elegant, understated...I love it, especially the face. Congratulations!

David