Judge

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 10:54 AM

This is just completed, of a retiring NC Superior Court judge. In fact, we're unveiling it at a Bar Association dinner tomorrow night.

This time I wanted to shove everything down and work in a low-key format, which is atypical for me. I enjoyed it.

It's 50" x 40".

Alexandra Tyng · 04-15-2009, 11:10 AM

Tom,

The judge must be totally pleased with this! You've done such a magnificent job with this portrait. The low-key background works perfectly to bring him forward and make him seem real and three-dimensional. I like the strong character in his face, his stance, and the red tie (which is echoed in the red of the flag). I have to say I'm really impressed with the robe. Robes can be boring to paint, because they're black and take up a lot of space in this kind of portrait, but you have done such a masterful job with this one. I feel as though I could reach out and touch the material. Could you post a close-up of the sleeve on the left?

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 11:23 AM

Alex--

Thanks so much! Here are some closeups...hope it's what you wanted.

With a subject like this, how could you lose?

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 11:27 AM

The hands...

Alexandra Tyng · 04-15-2009, 11:40 AM

Oh, yes, thanks, Tom. I love the way you made those very slight dimples in the area of the sleeve with just a few brush strokes in a slightly different color. The temperature changes are so subtle! The face is great, too, and the hand on the books.

David Draime · 04-15-2009, 03:12 PM

Tom, this is fantastic. It's now one of my favorites of yours. There seems to be a real economy of paint application in this one. It looks as if (I'd have to see the painting in person to be sure) there's a bit of underpainting showing through, especially in the robe, and as Alex has indicated, that robe is so alive. This quality, in conjunction with the restrained palette - and your deft touch - has resulted in a very fine painting indeed!

David

Terri Ficenec · 04-16-2009, 11:28 AM

Fabulous portrait Tom!
Very alive -- and those hands!

Tom Edgerton · 04-17-2009, 09:24 AM

Garth, thanks so much...you know what I think of your work, so your comments are welcome indeed.

Terri, thanks! I handled the glasses the same way you did, taking photos with and without, painting without, and adding them after. It's so much easier to control.

Hope to see you all at the conference.

Julie Deane · 04-18-2009, 08:49 AM

Congratulations on another beautiful piece, Tom! I am studying the details..., especially your edges.