[Tom Edgerton]

Garth pretty much has been writing the book on judges lately with some stunning paintings. But here's mine, just finished--to be unveiled officially in January for the NC Superior Court.

I'm pleased about several things:

There is more air around the head than I usually compose, so it's not so claustrophobic, and I've gotten more of a feeling of depth behind things--more "space" than previously. Also, with all of the potential coolness in the robe, background, hair, etc., I wanted to introduce some warmth to the light source without everything turning too yellow, and I think I've gotten the balance I was after. My color is becoming both more self-assured, and cleaner, which is an improvement.

I would accuse myself of overmodeling the robe, but when I set a light at upper left behind the judge to rim light the hair, suddenly I became very interested in how that accent played over the folds as it traveled down. It's maybe too much, but that was a lot of the "pure painting" fun for me, so I'm keeping it this time.

Also I managed to really capture the judge's character successfully. His campaign slogan was "Firm but Fair." (NC judges are elected usually.) He served on the Superior Court bench for 22 years and just retired--great to get to know, and I enjoyed the experience a great deal.

The scan's not perfect, but it's pretty close.