Unveiling at the Opera House

[Sharon Knettell]

Michele,

Just wonderful. What an impressive way to present the patrons. You and they must be thrilled! Great composition.

[Richard Monro]

Michele,

Wow! Stunning composition. I really like the two fold story being told and the art work is smashing as well. Hope you didn't get too many bruises from the many pats on the back you probalby recieved.

[Rob Sullivan]

Great story, great painting, great event, supergreat artist!

An amazing achievement, Michele - you deserve all the praise from your clients, the unveiling audience, and us as well. Many, many congratulations!!!

[Jimmie Arroyo]

I agree with everyone on the composition. It's almost like a self portrait of an artist at his/her studio. Great job.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Is there any space for more compliments???

Congrats!

That's beautiful, gorgeous, stunning... congrats again...

[Chris Saper]

I am so delighted for you!!

[Patricia Joyce]

Michelle,
When is your book coming out, "How to Market Portrait Art While Loving Your Painting Process"!? How did you get this commission? I am always excited to read about your experiences. We all enjoy sharing your successes vicariously.

Ditto, to Elizabeth's compliment, too. You look maaavelous! And of course, I love your painting too. I can't wait to see more images of it.

How long did this project take??? Were you able to get them for live sittings? Several photo shoots? How much time would you say you spent with the clients? Did they help choose the composition? Did you have more then ten days to paint it ?!!! I just love it.

You're the BEST...

[Mary Sparrow]

Oh my gosh Michelle, It is absolutey beautiful! Congratulations!

[Mikael Melbye]

Congratulations with the wonderful portrait. Good story in it as well. Patrons is a hard subject to do well, but you certainly succeeded. Brava!

best, Mikael

[Michele Rushworth]

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!