The Honorable J. William Ditter, Jr.
 

Tom's Superior Court Judge is justifiably a hard act to follow, .....but here goes.....

Paraphrasing Judge Ditter at his acceptance of his portrait in the special court session last Thursday, February First, at the United States District Court at Sixth and Market in Philadelphia, he began with this in his most humble tone:

"Three things of certainty, I learned from my late father (a US Congressman who died during WWII): First, you cannot climb a wall that's leaning toward you, Second, you cannot kiss a girl that's leaning away from you, and Third, you cannot with full grace due, accept the praise, and honors that are bestowed upon you in life."

At that, I felt a fleeting kinship with him in that remark and moment; having been singled out several times to stand and bow before the formidable audience of colleague judges, by several speakers ceremonially honoring this elder judge. An humbling awkward feeling, indeed!

Judge Ditter is yet an avid skiier, even at eighty-five! I just would not let him include his ski poles in the portrait, for fear they might denote some sort of crutch, which would be highly unwarranted! He can be such a wit. I hope that comes through in his portrayal. I really enjoyed getting to know him.

The Honorable J. William Ditter, Jr.
Commissioned by the Historical Society of the United States District Court, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
oil on linen, 42 by 36 inches, 2006

Garth

I love this guy! If I ever have to go to court, I want this guy sitting behind the bench.

A wonderful portrait, Garth, in every way.

Thanks Michele,

I would wish the same! You should have heard his version and recounting of the portrait process addressed before this audience. Slightly fictional and very funny! I hope I get a transcript.

Garth

This time the armchair is black... another stunning portrait Garth!

Thanks Bonfim!

Honestly, this judicial chair is available in red, black, or deep midnight-teal blue leather upholstery options. I have seen all three in this courthouse.

Garth

Garth.

Fabulous!! ...you quite simply ROCK!!!

David

Garth,

I don't know how you manage to introduce variety in to these judicial portraits, but you do! Judge Ditter just comes alive and practically out of the canvas plane here. You feel that he is a warm, personable character, down to earth, and ready to spring out of the chair and hit the slopes. Was the painting really on his office wall or did you make it up? I also like the cheerful colors--very suited to the judge's personality as it comes across to the viewer. Congratulations on a job well done!

David, from someone I think ROCKS, Thank you!

Alex, You know it is also hard to make them all the same! Thanks! Of that ski-slope painting, yes, it does hang in his judicial chambers, but not in the red-walled courtroom as suggested. His late wife painted that, representing their son on the slopes. Not a bad little painting! I diminished it in value slightly to keep the focus more on the main subject. Judge Ditter insisted on weaving his wife and one of his kids into the portrait, and that little painting was the solution. Better than putting ski poles behind the chair!

Garth

Simply beautiful, Garth. Your facility with subtle value changes makes every part of this piece a delight.
And, I've called you this before - the master of Red!

Garth--

Saw this in progress at your studio, and it's great to see it finished...it's every bit as spectacular as I expected.

With all that's going on in the background, with the personal and official references, still nothing competes with his fabulous spirit and your capturing of it. He will be alive and available to all who follow, as long as someone is around to take care of the painting. What more needs to be said?

Best--TE

(Glad you were duly introduced at the unveiling...more terrific commissions will follow.)

Garth,
I like your little skiers, both of them. Funny how you have balanced the symbol of the land, the flag, with a painting of the pleasures of the country, skiing.
He seems to be both kind, pawky and very much alive.

Excellent painting as always. :thumbsup:

I agree with the adjective of stunning!

Thanks Cindy! I certainly have run up close to the limitations of various reds here. None of them are exactly pure out of the tube. There is always some minute white or earth red quantity in even the most intense parts. The value gradations can be hairsplittingly close shifts at times. Even the flattest passages have subtle value shifts and gradations. Anyway, I love what you said!

Garth

Tom, It was wonderful to hang out with you for the day! I would like to think I learned half as much as you at the Shanks show; it was well worthwhile, and I am glad you came up. As I recall, there was only an 8x10 print of this painting tacked to the studio wall, which you saw. I Thank you for assuring me here that the background array fits with this subject satisfactorily. As you know, I love your masterful Superior Court Judge.

Garth

Thanks Allan, I agree with your word "pawky". That's him!

Garth

Dear Cynthia,

As the one behind the brush, it is hard to get accustomed to such words. Gosh, thank you!

Garth

Congratulations!

Wonderful Garth!! You deserve every one of those awkward bows - and more.
How is it that you only paint very likeable people? Can it be that you are able to portray anyone as likeable, even if they are horrid? I think not - your paintings reveal the person's true character. How lucky you are to know them and how lucky they are to have you paint them.

What a wonderful way to handle black. And red. The whole portrait just comes together so well. One can actually hear him chuckle. He DOES look like he has wit. That comes across at first sight.

Congratulations!

Hello Garth,
Congratulations! What a successful portrait, the blue piece of clothing guides the viewers attention to the face/eyes and balances off the red masses so perfectly.
Stunning! from me too. (must look up in dictionary to see what this adjective means)

Congratulations,Garth, on a very successful portrait. I love your reds, and once more the painting in the painting !

I echo Carlos's comments re your blacks and reds: your handling of the colors and value transitions is superlative. Would it be possible for you to give your admiring fans some details of the colors and mixes used ?

Simon

This is an incredible portrait! So alive and happy. Excellent. Congratulations on a job well done!

Dianne

I just spotted this one, Garth - and what a lovely portrait you've painted here. He radiates warmth, intelligence and good sense. Those hands are marvelous. I congratulate you!

Hi Garth!

This is gorgeously painted! So much warmth and good humor conveyed. I especially like the sensitivity with which you've portrayed his age (the way you've handled the wrinkles! ;) ) Another one of yours to study!