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

[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

[Elizabeth Schott]

Very nice Garth!

I am interested in your lighting. Is this something you shot, or did they supply the picture? I looks like two light sources or a filler on just his face.