Hon. A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. 1928 - 1998

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Forum:

Here is a portrait for the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, that I completed a year ago, but saw installed in the Great Stair Hall of Silverman Hall for the first time today. I was impressed with the placement. The space is decorated in a color scheme of deep salmon, earthy golds, and creamy marble, in a Louis XIV style building which seem to compliment this portrait with its gilt frame. By comparison this portrait has a somber, dark color scheme, which I think reflects an homage to Judge Higginbotham's overwhelming contributions to the advancement and status of minority values and rights in America, as well as authoring "In the Matter of Color",the most important book on the history of the African American experience from a historical law perspective. During the Nineties, he became "this [ ] close" to being nominated for the bench of the Federal Supreme Court. This is the second portrait I have done of this eminent jurist and it has truly been an humbling honor for me.

The Hon. A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., oil on linen, 42 by 36 inches.

[Julie Deane]

Hi Garth -

I've enjoyed seeing your work - this and the others. Thanks for sharing this one - I really like the feeling and dignity of this man that the painting conveys.

[Henry Wienhold]

Hello Garth
Excellent portrait, I like the warm colors. When I look at this portrait I can feel his personality coming through, you did more than just capture a likeness.

This man kind of reminds me of the actor James Earl Jones, Thats the first person I thought of when I first saw the portrait, it's something about his demeanor, he's got that same strong persona.

[Geary Wootten]

The tones are buttery smooth on this piece, Garth. Not only are the facial features well executed but those hands...my gosh...they look as though they are going to move any second.

Is this your "wet into wet" technique......or I should ask.....what is your technique of choice that enables these nice tonal transitions?

Oh....yeah.....do you have any close ups of either hand?

Thanks for sharing!

-Geary

[Garth Herrick]

Thanks, Julie, Henry, and Geary:

Julie, I like your wording "feeling of dignity". I had so much glowing feedback from his family, friends, other judges, and interns, etc.; he apparently made a positive difference in a lot of lives, treating everyone with dignity.

Henry, I never met him in life, but got some insight from written and oral testimonials. His voice was apparently similar to James Earl Jones'. He was larger than life in other respects, as well as being unusually tall.

Geary, I don't remember the hands being easy for me. I think the process was like more scumbles into scumbles.

[Jimmie Arroyo]

Another great piece. Thanks for posting the closeups. This piece has a beautiful quality of appearing smooth and painterly at once.

[Linda Brandon]

Another wonderful painting, Garth. I love the complex warm tones. Congratulations on such a prestigious commission!

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Congratulations on such a prestigious commission!

Thanks Linda, and Jimmie!

The Black Law Student Association commisioned this after seeing the first one I did for the Federal District Court in Philadelphia. Given their limited budget, at first they wanted to hang a photographic print reproduction of the first portrait, but somehow, fortunately I talked them into an original painting. Moreover, at the unveiling, the Chief Judge of the Federal Court was concerned that this second portrait of Judge Higginbotham turned out better than the one in his courtroom.

[Geary Wootten]

Originally Posted by Garth Herrick

Moreover, at the unveiling, the Chief Judge of the Federal Court was concerned that this second portrait of Judge Higginbotham turned out better than the one in his courtroom.

Ah, TRUE politics: "Image before substance"

But, hey Garth, this could work in your favor. I see it now: Garth Herrick does portraits of EVERY governmental figure that's ever existed in the state of Pennsylvania...THREE TIMES!!!

Good going friend!

Geary

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Garth,

A very sympathetic person and portrait. At first I felt that it was hot colors, but only until I discovered the blues in the clothes, that makes a delicate balance.

I like to bee a nerd for color.

Allan