Governor's Portrait Unveiling

[Cindy Procious]

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!

[Michele Rushworth]

Heidi wrote:

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.

Articles and/or photos about the portrait appeared in seven different area newspapers, and on two or three TV stations. Most of them did mention my name, and three of the articles were feature stories "about the artist", not just about this portrait. I guess learning how to write a press release and sending it out all over the city before the event really paid off!

The Seattle Times ran the story below. The article is quite long and continues onto the next page where there is another photo. I've had cards and letters and phone calls from people I haven't heard from in years about this article -- and from some total strangers, too. One strange guy wrote me an offensive email in the middle of the night about how he didn't like this particular Governor. And a lady I'd never heard of called me up at home one day to say how much she liked the painting. Takes all kinds!

[Chris Saper]

Michele,

This is SO cool! A gorgeous painting, I am so proud of you !!

Congratulations, you really deserve this honor.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Michele, I'm so glad the thread was moved to "unveilings" so more people could see it, because this is really significant.

By the way, I love the photo of you in the article. The photographer was smart to look up at you, use that dramatic lighting, and place your head at the convergence of three paintings. The whole color scheme and background of your work (I am assuming) is perfect. Great for publicity! Wow, the whole thing is really wonderful!

Your admiring fan,

Alex

[Garth Herrick]

Dear Michele,

As you must realize by now by all the aclaimed response, this portrait is beyond belief good! Good for the Governor, good for you and good for us as we study your masterpiece! Kudos.

Garth

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Thanks for the close-ups!
The more I see your work, the more I like it.

[Michele Rushworth]

Here's a series of shots that shows how the hands were done.

[Terri Ficenec]

Thanks for posting these Michele-- I'm really enjoying seeing the progression!

[Rui Manuel]

Just wanted to say that I admire your work very much!

Congratulations!
Rui.

[Debra Norton]

Michele, I'm curious about your process before you get to the canvas. Do you do a full size cartoon and then transfer it to the canvas? Do you use charcoal, or pencil? Did you do a color study?

We'll be moving back to Washington in another year and a half; I hope to be able to meet you then and "talk shop."
Debra