Testimonials

"I clearly made the right choice when I opted to have you do the portraits, as I was shown the work of several artists. As I looked at all of the choices, I felt that you captured the personality of each subject the best. You fulfilled that feeling, as you have shown the joy I felt in doing my work."

-Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the College of Physicians

“My gratitude to you for what, to me, is a portrait of rare magnificence knows no bounds. As I expressed it in my comments at the unveiling, my delight over the portrait is equaled only by my amazement with your impeccable artistic accomplishment. I am elated with the portrait. . . . Along with my profound admiration for you as an artist, I send my unreserved respect for you as a person.”
–Paul J. Hartman, J.D., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University School of Law

“It was a great experience for Leah and me to have gotten to know you.  We have never met any professional so congenial and easy to work with.  We love the portrait, and we have heard nothing but rave comments from our guests about it.”

– Marvin Ziskin, M.D., Temple University School of Medicine

“Thank you again, Joe, for all that you did for us. You have a wonderful gift, and we will treasure this portrait (of Theodore Stellwag, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Bar Association) for many, many years to come. You have touched our hearts . . . . ”
–Ursula Marks, Executive Assistant, The Pennsylvania Bar Association

“You were able to bring out the warmth and kindness that were so much a part of Mr. Cornwell’s personality. I am amazed that you were able to develop the (posthumous) painting from the few photographs we had. Your time, talent and sensitivity in creating the portrait are very much appreciated. I look forward to working with you again in the future.”
–Donna Pennington, Public Relations Director The Chester County Hospital, Westchester, PA

“I wanted to thank you again for the beautiful portrait you made of me for the hospital. You are certainly very talented. You also made the entire procedure easy and enjoyable.”
–Lillian Stern, M.D., Jefferson Healthcare

“Let me tell you how pleased we all are with the portrait. It captures the essence of my brother (President Judge Joseph Glancey, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia), a serious man who led a serious life whose humanity, however, was always his paramount characteristic.”
–David R. Glancey, Esq., Philadelphia

“Congratulations on the beautiful work on the Chief Justice Zappala portrait. Once again, you have captured the essence of the jurist.”
–Roberta D. Pichini, Esq., Litvin, Blumberg, Matusow & Young, Philadelphia

“On behalf of St. Anthony Community Hospital and our Committee, please accept my deep appreciation for the beautiful portrait of Dr. Harry C. Sayre, Jr. Having you assist with the unveiling was an honor and a pleasure. The entire Sayre family is delighted with the portrait.”
–Mrs. R. Michael Kennedy, Chairperson St. Anthony Community Hospital, Warwick, NY

“The portrait has been hung in the Board Room, and everyone raves about how life-like it is. You did an excellent job, and I’m sure when portraits are needed in the future, you will be the one to do them.”
–Sharon C. Johnson, Director of Development, Chester County Hospital, Westchester, PA

“I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful portraits of my family that you have done. I really love the way you have captured Gabrielle’s “being.” Your work is amazing and truly a gift that I’m blessed to have grace our home!” –Mrs. Claro D., Memphis, TN

"We are thrilled with Michelle’s portrait! Everything about it is perfect. We couldn’t be more pleased and can’t wait to show it to everybody.” –Mr. and Mrs. Garth W., Cincinnati, OH

“My deepest thanks for your (posthumous) portrait of Bud (Dr. M. Renfrew Bradner, Jr.). It is just wonderful. I keep finding myself talking to it. It really captures him so perfectly that I expect him to answer back!” –Mrs. Mary W. Bradner, Warwick, NY

“Since portrait art is intended to inspire a gripping sense of the intensity of the subject, the portrait artist is obliged to proceed beyond the commission to depict an individual, and must also undertake to reveal the person and to reflect the persona. Artist Joseph Routon has surely done so . . . splendidly . . . and strikingly.” –Stephen J. McEwen, Jr., President Judge Emeritus, The Superior Court of PA (at the unveiling of Chief Justice Zappala's portrait in Pittsburgh)

“A great many people have seen your painting and have been highly complimentary about it. I personally think it is perfect and am deeply grateful.” –Rt. Rev. Albert W. Van Duzer, S.T.D., D.D.
Bishop of New Jersey (Episcopal)

“The dedication of the portrait on Wednesday was clearly a success, made so in significant measure by the high level of your talent as depicted in the painting.” –Dr. Walter Gordon, Provost, Rutgers University

“Joe, we could not be more pleased with the work you have done. You are an extremely talented portrait painter, and you have lived up to our every expectation. In fact, you have surpassed our expectations . . . We deeply appreciate your talent, cooperation, generosity, and the opportunity to get to know you.” –Edwin O. Norris, Esq. Hunter, Smith & Davis (Kingsport, TN)

"Joe, I am so proud to see Kelley's portrait posted in your gallery. What a magnificent display! I am honored to find her in such an exquisite collection of your work. You captured that inquisitive innocence that only a child can possess. She is now Assistant Professor of Architecture at Washington University. I feel just as strongly about the paintings you have done of the rest of my family." 

 —John Thomas Van Dyck III, M.D., F.A.C.S., Paris, TN

“My wife and I are grateful to you for our treasure. I also appreciated the opportunity of meeting you and learning something about your impressive background.” –Albert J. Finestone, M.D., P.C., Professor, Temple University School of Medicine

“I am very pleased with the portrait you created, and you have my profound gratitude. As you could tell from the unveiling, your work was met with high acclaim and will be displayed in the foyer of the magnificent Supreme Courtroom on the 4th floor of Pennsylvania's Capitol to be viewed over the years to come. With appreciation and best wishes, I am

—Thomas G. Saylor, Chief Justice Emeritus, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania