Judge

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 10:54 AM

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".

Alexandra Tyng · 04-15-2009, 11:10 AM

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?

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 11:23 AM

Alex--

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

With a subject like this, how could you lose?

Tom Edgerton · 04-15-2009, 11:27 AM

The hands...

Alexandra Tyng · 04-15-2009, 11:40 AM

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.

David Draime · 04-15-2009, 03:12 PM

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

Chris Saper · 04-15-2009, 11:14 PM

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!

Marvin Mattelson · 04-15-2009, 11:45 PM

Well done. Congratulations.

Carlos Ygoa · 04-16-2009, 05:38 AM

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

Tom Edgerton · 04-16-2009, 09:07 AM

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!