Posthumous portrait

[Tom Edgerton]

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

[Richard Huante]

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,

[Leslie Ficcaglia]

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!

[Marvin Mattelson]

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.

[Tom Edgerton]

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.

[Garth Herrick]

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

[Michele Rushworth]

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.

[Tom Edgerton]

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.)

[Alicia Kornick]

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

[Michele Rushworth]

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