Brilliant
 

This is an absolutely brilliant portrait Michelle. Very well done.

I love the way you have captured that intense gaze and strong character. I am very happy for you that all your hard work as resulted in such stunning work.Congratulations!

Michele,

I just had to share this with you. Last night on the news I saw a short clip and immediatlly recognized the govenor based on your painting. It was like: "Hey, I know who this is!" with immediate realization: " that's the governor who Michelle painted!"

Pretty cool!

He's supporting Mitt Romney in his presidential campaign and there was a big event in Nevada this week. Governor Guinn has "retired" from many different careers in the past: high school P.E. teacher, school board head, President of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, bank president, utilities company president, and most recently, Governor.

He told me he was really going to retire this time but now he's on the board of a bank again and is busy with the presidential campaign. We joked that he's really not the type of guy to sit by the pool or spend his days golfing. He's a very capable administrator and is well thought of by the people in his state, so he's always tapped to help with various important causes. It was a great honor to get to know him.

Michele, what a confident work ! I like that the colour, all so simply played between the warms and the cool note of the shirt and the tie. The image is solid and tridimensional despite the almost flat black of the suit.
Beautiful
Ilaria

Thanks!

The suit actually does have some three dimensionality to it. I find it difficult to photograph portraits with black suits (especially as the lower part of the figure disappears into the shadows). A correct exposure for the face usually means all the carefully painted dark greys just drop to black in the photo.

Michele, this is some portrait in many respects. I especially like your use and control of value which brings the viewers eye back to the face. Real nice depth and sense of space as well. You kept this simple and to the point and as a result a masterfully executive portrait.

The Governor specifically asked that there not be a lot of "stuff" in the background. I think it's a simpler and stronger painting because of that.

Michele,
I want to add my praise. The elements and means in this portrait are carefully and efficient taken into use. I love how the necktie emphasizes the eye's color.

Michele, congratulation
I can read seriousness, responsibility and authority in this, very official and very beautiful indeed.