Governor of Nevada, Kenny C. Guinn
 

I delivered this portrait a couple of days ago in Nevada. The official unveiling will be in a few months. This is a portrait of the former governor, who just retired in January, not the one currently in office.

Congratulations Michele!!!

This is such a cleanly composed and dignified portrait. This is your second Governor's portrait commission, isn't it? I bet there will be more to come. I will wait for the report of the upcoming unveiling, on the edge of my seat. This is impressive. Kudos to your rising success! Nevada was right to commission you.

Garth

Oh wow! What a museum quality portrait, Michele. Your drawing is so accurate, and it's quite touching to see how the hands are clasped in a slightly nervous way (not your handling of the paint, I mean, but the sitter's attitude). It gives him a humanness, a slight vulnerability, which makes his solidity and strength all the more powerful.

Michele, this is such an impressive painting in so many ways - I love how you have managed all the textures in this painting and the calm strength you've imparted to this man. The slightly leaning pose gives a wonderful flow to the lines here. As always, your technical skill is beyond reproach. Big congratulations to you, my friend!

Wow - beautifully done, Michelle! To me it has such a "feel" - as in tactile quality. Like I could reach out and touch exactly what my eyes are seeing.

Michele, WOW! All this time I've been imagining what this portrait must look like, and I had some hazy idea, but nothing could have prepared me for the reality. It's very exciting to see it. One thing I noticed immediately: the proportions of the canvas are elegant.

It's very interesting how his relaxed leaning pose complements certain features that are rather tense (hands, mouth, jaw). You seem to have pared down his appearance, and maybe even his character, to a few important essentials. Everything that is there tells the viewer something important. His eyes tell you he doesn't miss much. The indentation at the corner of his mouth and cheeks indicate a sense of humor. (At least this is how I'm reading it!)

I also love the way that the sweeping line of the chair is strong enough to continue the curve of his posture down through the whole bottom third of the painting,

Very beautiful, Michele.

I've been anticipating this painting knowing that you've been knee deep in it for some time. I think you must be very proud.

It made my job easier that he's a good looking man. The Chief of Staff made the comment that he looks like someone that "Central Casting" would send over, if you were making a movie and wanted a guy who looked like the quintessential "Governor" character.

The relaxed pose is pure "Kenny" (as he likes to be called). He does have a calm strength, and is quite an easy going person.

Fantastic...congratulations on a terrific commission and result.

--TE

(Great hands!)

Beautiful, Michele!