Judge
 

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".

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?

Alex--

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

With a subject like this, how could you lose?

The hands...

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.

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

Dear Tom,

I am SO happy for you. This is a truely lovely piece of work. I appreciate you comment about restraint -less is really more.

Bravo!

Well done. Congratulations.

Very fine work, Tom...congratulations!
Once again your mastery shines forth here, especially in the treatment of the head and the black robe.
Have fun at the unveiling!

Carlos

David--Thanks so much! This time practically all of the environment and robe were painted in one pass, so indeed there isn't a lot of buildup.

Marvin--Thanks! (The head is a ball...the head is a ball...)

Chris, Carlos--I really appreciate it!

Tom,

This is spectacular, and magnificent! I love your subtle finesse of temperature and tonal gradations. Congratulations on a job very well done!

Garth

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

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.

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

Rob Tom's robe!!!
 

Be aware, robbers,
The real judge is right here!

(I still try to rob this robe anyway)

Julie--Thanks! I am trying to loosen back up a little.

Schubert--I now know where the bodies are buried around here. So be careful!