The Honorable J. William Ditter, Jr.

Garth Herrick · 02-05-2007, 01:23 PM

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

Michele Rushworth · 02-05-2007, 02:20 PM

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.

Garth Herrick · 02-05-2007, 02:31 PM

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

Claudemir Bonfim · 02-05-2007, 07:39 PM

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

Garth Herrick · 02-05-2007, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudemir Bonfim

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

David Draime · 02-05-2007, 10:55 PM

Garth.

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

David

Alexandra Tyng · 02-05-2007, 10:57 PM

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!

Garth Herrick · 02-05-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

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

Cindy Procious · 02-06-2007, 08:46 AM

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!

Tom Edgerton · 02-06-2007, 09:48 AM

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.)