Another Union League President

Garth Herrick · 01-12-2009, 12:42 AM

Perhaps a sequel to the Daniel DiLella Union League Portrait thread from two years back, here is a recent portrait of Fred Haab, who just finished his term as the club president.

Fred Haab
oil on linen
40 x 31 inches
Collection of the Union League of Philadelphia.

The process went pretty smoothly once I figured out my new camera and strobes. Mr. Haab quickly assumed this pose in the gentleman's smoking parlor, and liked it so much in the digital capture on my laptop, that he shook my hand and went back to work. Having not moved my camera tripod, I took more pictures of various ways of lighting the background, and settled on this combination in the painting.

This portrait was afforded a two-staged unveiling. The first with the Haab family, over an elaborately catered dinner with a thirty-foot lavishly set table and five courses of wines. The second, with the Union League of Philadelphia board of directors, over a much more lavishly catered dinner with a fifty-foot long very elaborately set table, and five more courses of wines. Well, you get the idea! It was strictly Black-Tie.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Garth

Carlos Ygoa · 01-12-2009, 04:43 AM

Garth,
What else can be said about this painting except "beautiful" and "perfect"?! Everything about it, right down to the button on the jacket and that highlight on his thumbnail; expression, colour, and those exquisite jacket sleeves--everything is masterful!!

How was the wine?

Congratulations!!

Garth Herrick · 01-12-2009, 11:34 AM

Carlos,

Most of the wine was pretty good; even the one that tasted like grapefruit!

Thanks, my friend! You have already made my day with your kind response.

Garth

David Draime · 01-12-2009, 12:30 PM

The unveiling of a painting of this caliber deserves a hundred-foot lavishly, sumptuously set table with fifteen courses of wine. And a string quartet....

David

Mary Ann Archibald · 01-12-2009, 12:46 PM

Masterful.

Garth Herrick · 01-12-2009, 01:19 PM

David, and Mary Ann,

Thank you! There was live music ....more of a piano jazz trio playing Christmas favorites and inspirational hymn impressions.

Here was the "small" table:

Garth

Mary Ann Archibald · 01-12-2009, 01:22 PM

Oh my, that looks delightful. Thanks for sharing!

Mary Cupp · 01-12-2009, 06:02 PM

What can I say, Garth. Not only does this painting exhibit technical perfection, but you have the rare ability to breathe life and humanity into official portraits of men in suits. Your work is gorgeous.

Clayton J. Beck III · 01-12-2009, 07:04 PM

Garth,
I like how you made sure they didn't go to Hobby Lobby to pick out the frame! 40" x 31" BRILLIANT

Seriously, I'm speechless. They should be more than pleased. I'm sure it will the talk of the family for generations to come.

Allan Rahbek · 01-12-2009, 08:06 PM

Hi Garth, I'm speechless too !!

I'm also impressed about the way you manage to arrange these official portraits in a way that emphasizes both the human and his position.

I am especially fond of the background of this painting, that sandstone fireplace and the heavy wooden door make a perfect match to the blues in his suit.

Your value control is also impressive. When I look at the painting close up all the details are clear, but when I step back a few steps the person will separate from the background, magic !!!

And then there's the tie, you are a patient man, Garth