The Admiral
 

This is the retiring Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He wanted to stress his relationship with the midshipmen in the work.

I'd wanted to attempt depicting deeper space than in most of my portraits. I was inspired by three great paintings, among others: Las Meninas by Velasquez, Nelson Shanks' portrait of Pope John Paul II, and Alex Tyng's portrait of Dr. Papadakis.

Wonderful, Tom!! I knew you must have being doing something rather awe-inspiring in all the time you haven't posted an image of yours. A really lovely sense of atmospheric as well as mathematically-worked-out space in the background. And a really masterful pushing forward of the figure with your sensitivity to tone. Wonderfully drawn and painted! I am sure this is headed for a top award should you enter it into the PSoA competition or the like. Beautifully painted face and hand - please could you post a close-up of each!

Thomasin, your comments are way more than generous...and very much appreciated!

Wow, what an undertaking this must have been with the complicated composition and background. Well done. I really feel you did a beautiful job on the face and hand, thanks for the close up, we students need to study our professionals!

Tom, grate job. I really like the way you played down the stair case amongst other things. Picture perfect as they say.

Oh, my, Tom! You've just knocked my socks off with this one! I absolutely love the composition, the grand space with architectural detail, the light (and control of values between the inside and outside light), and the feeling of distance and scale you've established by putting the figures in the background. I also love how you've placed him midway (as in relation to the midshipmen) between the ceiling and floor. Plus, you have painted him as a dignified but likable individual. I'm glad I could inspire you even in a small way to paint something so noble.

What are the dimensions?

Pat and Mischa--

Thanks so much! The architecture was a bear to paint and keep under control. It's Bancroft Hall, a very specific and grand place, and the entrance to their quarters (!).

Alex--

Thank you as always--I very much value your opinion! It's 48" x 32", more or less a life sized head.

I experienced the space exactly that way, as I walked to the head of the stairs and then looked behind me. Fortunately, classes were changing and the outside was teeming with midshipmen (this is a unisex term). I almost fell over. Ten minutes later and they were all inside, and the view wasn't nearly as dramatic.

He is indeed a very dignified and likable man.

Very, very beautiful and inspiring. Great job.

Wow Tom! This is really nice! There is movement within the structure of the architecture, and lovely balance to the entire composition that has just the right amount of asymmetry that makes it feel very alive. My first thought about this man, before I read your description, was that he is a man who is respected AND liked.

Beautifully done, Tom. This is my new favorite painting of yours. I would love to see some closeups of the background, if possible. Thanks for sharing!

David

Tom, really a great work.
I like the inclusion of other people in a single portrait. I am thinking if I ever saw this before, especially so well played. They make the painting alive and they say something about the man.
Thank you for posting this, it is an inspiration
Ilaria

Claudemir, Julie, Ilaria--

Thanks so much...your comments will keep my energy up here in the studio!

I am pleased that everyone here seems to get that there is a relationship between the Admiral and the midshipmen. We looked at other concepts, including some ceremonial parade ideas, but it says something about him that he ultimately let me place him in their space, not his. He was instrumental in re-including them in high-profile events and ceremonies at the Academy, and for re-energizing the midshipman sailing (under canvas) program.

We met at the Academy in October to do finish work from life, and the next day I attended a Navy football game. When the thousands of midshipmen (standing together in uniform for the entire game) realized that the newly retired Admiral was there in civilian dress, they began to spontaneously chant his name!

Tom, all of this is so very impressive - you have done an extraordinary job here. Alex is right in her comments that say you have perfectly nailed every aspect of a complicated design and execution as well as bringing your own signature grace (I don't know what else to call it) to this painting. You just keep getting better and better, and yes, I have been saying this on this Forum for years and years.

Tom, How wonderful! I am absolutely tickled to hear of your success!
XOXO

Beautifully done, Tom. There is a lot to study here.

Linda, Chris, Julie--

I so appreciate these comments! Progress seems painfully slow at times, but I'm grateful that so far it's directionally correct...

Best as always--T

David--

Thanks so much! As requested...