Admiral

Tom Edgerton · 11-26-2005, 11:58 AM

Just finished this one for the Naval War College. We'll probably unveil it up there sometime before Christmas.

I think this is a fairly good photo of it.

Best to all---TE

Alexandra Tyng · 11-26-2005, 12:39 PM

Hi Tom,

This portrait has an uplifting feeling that I really like, maybe because the color is so clear and the sunlight so bright. I think it also has to do with the man's expression. He looks as though he really loves his job, or maybe he's a cheerful man who lifts other people's spirits. Nice work!

Alex

Chris Saper · 11-26-2005, 01:17 PM

Tom,

Congratulations on another successful portrait! Please post some close-ups when you get the chance.

Linda Brandon · 11-26-2005, 02:13 PM

Tom, this is so impressive for so many reasons, not the least of which is the difficult perspective design you have so successfully brought off. One of the things I like so much about your work generally is that your paintings have such a sense of humanity, regardless of the official position of the subject. Congratulations on another outstanding portrait!

Cynthia Daniel · 11-26-2005, 02:18 PM

Excellent, Tom and congraulations!

Linda Nelson · 11-26-2005, 06:57 PM

Excellent job Tom. It feels so dimensional.

How large is the work?

L

Virginia Branch · 11-27-2005, 11:35 AM

I really like the way you handled the angles with the flags, building and floor keeping the focus on the Admiral. I am assuming it is done in oil?

Very well done portrait.

Kimberly Dow · 11-28-2005, 12:19 AM

Tom,

Congratulations on another wonderful portrait. I especially love his pleasant expression!

Tom Edgerton · 11-28-2005, 09:10 AM

Thanks, y'all, for these good words.

Alexandra--The value plan is driven by mood, yes, but intentional, too, as I wanted a higher than usual background key to merge with the whites so they wouldn't take over. Also wanted a heavy shadow side to the head against the sky to balance all of the darker values around the middle of the canvas, hence this lighting. Glad you like it.

Chris--Thanks...will do ASAP.

Linda--A lot of the architecture there is pretty fortress-like, and relentlessly mid-century geometric...I had to gulp when I saw it. (But hey, I'm a mid-century guy!) Thanks so much for the words about capturing spirit as I know this is equally important to you in your work. I hope my striving for this overcomes any deficiencies in technique.

Cynthia--Thanks! This was an SOG contact.

Linda--It's 33x44, with a nine-inch head (to the chin).

Virginia--Thanks...This was the most complicated of the requested concepts. It's a specific place at the College, and there was a lot to juggle. It is an oil portrait. I'm not above using compositional elements to say " HEY, LOOK HERE!"

Kim--Thanks... I admire Rembrandt (!), but I usually end up liking my subjects, so the attitude finally reflects more Frans Hals, maybe? If only!

Best to all--TE

Tom Edgerton · 11-28-2005, 10:09 AM

Chris--

As requested....