Superior Court Judge

[Tom Edgerton]

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.

[David Draime]

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

[Tom Edgerton]

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

[Marina Dieul]

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 ?

[Claudemir Bonfim]

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

[Terri Ficenec]

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 )

[Allan Rahbek]

Tom,
this is very well composed, I like the generous space around his head and the casual arrangement of the hands and the modest colors.
The best picture from your hand yet, in my opinion.

[Tom Edgerton]

Thanks, guys...

Ilaria and Allan, I appreciate the good words from two whose work I also admire.

Mike, thanks. I donate to the Police Benevolent Fund for the same reason. The painting's going to be hard to fit into the glovebox, though. Hee!

-T

[Mischa Milosevic]

Tom, the crowd is all in your corner and it looks good on you. Well deserved! This is, most certainly, a well executed painting and worth every cent. I truly wish you many more.

[Carlos Ygoa]

Tom,
Just saw this as I was away for a couple of days. I must add my congratulations to what has already been said. There is a very nicely established harmony between the greens and the blacks (which you handle very masterfully); and that well achieved feeling of space is very convincing. Needless to say the technique of someone who knows his craft is evident in everything from the hands to the well executed full-front head, to that robe.
He seems like a very benevolent judge.

Very well done.