Superior Court Judge
 

Garth pretty much has been writing the book on judges lately with some stunning paintings. But here's mine, just finished--to be unveiled officially in January for the NC Superior Court.

I'm pleased about several things:

There is more air around the head than I usually compose, so it's not so claustrophobic, and I've gotten more of a feeling of depth behind things--more "space" than previously. Also, with all of the potential coolness in the robe, background, hair, etc., I wanted to introduce some warmth to the light source without everything turning too yellow, and I think I've gotten the balance I was after. My color is becoming both more self-assured, and cleaner, which is an improvement.

I would accuse myself of overmodeling the robe, but when I set a light at upper left behind the judge to rim light the hair, suddenly I became very interested in how that accent played over the folds as it traveled down. It's maybe too much, but that was a lot of the "pure painting" fun for me, so I'm keeping it this time.

Also I managed to really capture the judge's character successfully. His campaign slogan was "Firm but Fair." (NC judges are elected usually.) He served on the Superior Court bench for 22 years and just retired--great to get to know, and I enjoyed the experience a great deal.

The scan's not perfect, but it's pretty close.

Tom, this is just awesome. Your paintings have a very quiet, restrained, almost meditative quality about them - this one perhaps more so. I am deeply impressed at how economical the painting is, in the sense of what you are showing us. Nothing is extraneous, unnecessary. And even though there is a lot going on in the robe, it is all successfully rendered in a narrow value range and doesn't in any way compete with the center of interest - the face, hands. It's definitely not "too much" if you are worried. It's great. I'm captivated.

Some close-ups would be nice...

David

David--

Thanks so much for the affirmation, and the reassurance!

I'm out this afternoon, but will post closeups on my return.

Thanks again--TE

Tom,
this is a very well balanced painting ( composition and color ). For me, it's pure joy to see the folds of the robe, so I can easily understand that you had fun painting this...
Congratulations on a very successfull portrait !
and yes, please, close ups, and what are the dimensions ?

What a beautiful painting Tom.
I liked the greens very much.

What rich painting Tom! You certainly succeeded in balancing those warms and cools -- the painting has atmosphere and conveys a true sense of the man. Bravo!

(and yes! . . . please post close-ups and size :) )

As promised....

The glasses were fun to paint, as they were rimless. It became a challenge of using value jogs and reflections to paint something that "wasn't there."

Size is 48" x 42", so it has some presence. About a 10" head.

Terri, Claudemir, and Marina--I appreciate your comments very much.

Best--TE

Tom, I always say this about your paintings, but I mean it more than ever - this sense of intelligent humanity that you get in your portraits is a priceless gift you have. There's a real radiating calm in this painting. From a technical point of view, the color and edge treatment is expertly done, just as... well, everything else in this painting.

I'm going to look at the closeups again. Big congratulations on this one!

Oh, Tom, this is wonderful! I've been looking forward to seeing this ever since you mentioned the light on the robes during our Nelson Shanks weekend. At the time I was thinking, "It couldn't possibly be as wild as he thinks it is," and it's not--it's perfect--silvery and very expressive of the fabric. It's one of those controlled breakthroughs: huge internally, but handled masterfully. The color is truly beautiful and I do like the simplicity.

Also I agree with Linda about your ability to communicate "intelligent humanity." I get the impression that he's seen a lot, he'll treat people with respect and compassion, but in the end he will be fair. It's a great portrait.

Tom,

I do think this is your best so far. There is a lovely feeling of gentility, space and light in this piece. The robe is spectacular.

Portraits such as these which I usually refer to as "flag to the right or flag to the left" are difficult to make interesting and beautiful.