Unveiling at the Opera House

Michele Rushworth · 06-07-2005, 01:02 PM

Thanks, everybody, for your very kind words.

Just to answer various questions: these are not patrons of the ballet. This is the husband and wife team who have been running the ballet for the last 28 years, the Artistic Directors. He's the lead choreographer and she's also the head of the ballet school.

I got this commission by writing a letter back in January to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ballet. I had heard in the news that this was to be the last season for these two Artistic Directors and I suggested the idea of doing a portrait to the Board. I also sent 8x10 prints of some of my work. They called me right back and set up a meeting.

I met with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the two Artistic Directors a few times: once to plan the painting, once to do the photo shoot, and once to unveil the painting privately for them a few weeks before the official unveiling for the patrons was to be held. I wanted to be sure they all liked it before we showed it to everyone else!

Not counting planning and follow up (which accounted for a month or so of work in itself) the actual painting on canvas took about two months. This was another of those deadline things, though thankfully I had more than 10 days in which to paint it!

Tom Edgerton · 06-07-2005, 01:26 PM

So Michele...

When can I be you?

All the best--TE

(Nice seeing you in DC)

Patricia Joyce · 06-07-2005, 03:36 PM

Michele,

Thank you for sharing how you got the commission. Very good marketing! I am not only ALWAYS impressed with your beautiful paintings, but how you get business. You are becoming a mover and a shaker in Seattle by the high profile portraits you have been painting. I really admire this about you! Please post other pics of the painting when you can as the composition looks very impressive.

Thanks again,
Patty

Linda Brandon · 06-07-2005, 07:15 PM

I'm going to try and post some more of Michele's photos:

Michele Rushworth · 06-07-2005, 07:22 PM

Thanks, Linda!

Ngaire Winwood · 06-07-2005, 07:30 PM

Congratulations Michelle!

Wow it is great to see you reaping your rewards. Thanks for sharing with us. Well Done! Look out Seattle!

Janel Maples · 06-07-2005, 10:54 PM

I have been away for a bit and just logged on to see this. Michele, I couldn't be happier for you. It is so good to read about great success stories. I love it.