[Garth Herrick]

Hi Jayden,

This is indeed an impressive figurehead you are representing. Congratulations on such an important official portrait! Being American, I am intigued and fascinated by the level of pomp and circumstance implied in the official garb of the Mayor iof Tauranga. By contrast, and I've painted a recent Mayor of Philadelphia, around here mayors are more interested being seen as a man of the people in ordinary dress. I guess it comes down to a political statement dictated by a respective cultural tradition. I think the pose and composition is marvelous. He seems as a king.

I wonder whether the background is completely resolved yet. It is quite nebulous. I am trying to find justification for the yellowy-green effects in the background cloud, as I don't know the intended association of that color usage. I imagine that a background representing a specific setting could be equally stunning, though more work to execute and subordinate.

Thanks for sharing this. I love the use of color in the garments! I wish you the best of success.

Garth