The Judge
 

This painting (Oil 30" X 40") was completed in May and I had waited and hoped that the photographer would do a better job than I in recording some of the details of the portrait. Lost are textures in the background; the brown suit is lost against that same background; and the Judge's left hand, that holds the book, that in reality can be seen in shadow under the book, is not evident in the photo. The judge, family and associates were all complimentary.

The head detail will follow.

Whoops!

Again.

And the head.

Jim,

Really nice portrait with great composition. I am interested in the background. If we were to see this in person, would we see distinct colors or more of a single, homogeneous tone in the background/ You mentioned texture lost to the photo. This I guess would be brush strokes with a fairly large brush? My monitor is giving me only a black suit on a black backgound.

Mike,

Attached is a poor digital shot that shows, however, that which is lost in the darks. The green of the law book and the left hand were important to explain that the book was not hanging in mid-air. And you can get a better feeling for the brushwork in the background. Getting good repros has been a real nightmare.


NOTE A friend visited this site and convinced me that the attachment was a poor representation of the painting and convinced me to remove it until a promised reshoot arrives.

Thanks Jim, there is a lot more information in this post. I see a faint left hand but no green on the book. I see much more of the background you described. I learn much from your posts. Simple, not simplistic, well thought out compositions.

Cool Design
 

Very nice shapes, Jim-good design.