Governor's Portrait Unveiling

Michele Rushworth · 01-13-2006, 12:50 PM

After more than a year in the works, I can finally show this painting. The unveiling was held in the State Capitol on January 4th. What a surreal week it was, doing four different TV and newspaper interviews in my home, having people ask for my autograph at the unveiling itself and making a speech at the State Capitol, with three governors and a load of cameramen and reporters also in the room. Quite the experience.

Carol Norton · 01-13-2006, 12:57 PM

Michelle, congratulations. It is an absolutely beautiful portrait! Wow!

Lacey Lewis · 01-13-2006, 01:50 PM

Wow! The portrait is gorgeous, I love the lighting and composition. What an experience this unveiling must have been!

As a side note... in the picture that shows you from the side, I get the impression that you are wearing a tiara! LOL! (I know it's likely just a pair of glasses

)

Congrats, Michele!

Patricia Joyce · 01-13-2006, 02:39 PM

I was smiling as this was downloading, KNOWING it would be a great portrait, but all I can say is

GASP - your best work yet. It is beautiful. I too love the lighting on his face and the hands are awesome and I really like how you painted the leather chair.

Very, very beautiful painting!

Garth Herrick · 01-13-2006, 03:48 PM

Dear Michele,

My hat is off to you! This is a truly magnificent tribute to your Governor, superior in every way. He's very much alive, and engaging. I'm so proud to say I know you! BRAVO!

Like my latest, I suppose it would be tricky to enter into any competitions, but this is surely worthy.

Enjoy the rush of the gathering crowds. You're in the art history books now!

Garth (a Fan)

Claudemir Bonfim · 01-13-2006, 03:54 PM

Hi Michele,
I wish you could see my smile while congratulating you for this beautiful work.
Beautiful skin tones, lighting and composition (I simply loved the way you portrayed the teeth!).
Could you please post some close-ups of the face, hands, armchair and of the curtain?
My kindest compliments.

David Draime · 01-13-2006, 04:50 PM

Wonderful, Michele. This is certainly one of your finest portraits to date. It is beautiful. Congratulations on this important commission - and all the press you are recieving because of it.

Michele Rushworth · 01-13-2006, 08:39 PM

Thanks for all your kind words, folks. Here are some closeups.

Heidi Maiers · 01-13-2006, 10:58 PM

Michele, our mutual sculpting friend John J sent me an image of the Olympian article that was published last week displaying this painting. We were both appalled that no mention of your name, as the artist, was included in the article. I'm so glad to see that you are receiving the recognition for it that you so richly deserve.

Cindy Procious · 01-14-2006, 10:22 AM

Magnificent!

I assume this is going to hang somewhere other than the Governor's home? If so, I predict that you will be painting his lovely family before the end of February.

Oh - and, swanky new haircut. I like!