Governor's Portrait Unveiling

[Michele Rushworth]

Here's an idea of what this looked like in progress.

[Jean Kelly]

Michele, big congrats to you! This is outstanding and I'm amazed at how you've handled the press.

Jean

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

Here's an idea of what this looked like in progress.

Michele,

What a fascinating insight into your working method: having to resolve a detail in its specific finish and turning of color even before covering up the white of the canvas!

It's fascinating to me, because I am strugging with the opposite approach of quickly and broadly obliterating any trace of the blank canvas, the first day and session (and of course it looks awful at this stage for me, like an extreme of jpeg compression with the worst bunch of artifacts).

Beginning a portrait is always a paradox of paths to take; no matter which approach, there is frustration until the last pieces of the puzzle fall into place and we can finally see what degree of masterpiece we have painted!

Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your successful technique.

Garth

[Michele Rushworth]

I learned this method from Tony Ryder, as he learned it from Ted Seth Jacobs (who is affilliated with Nelson Shanks' Incaminati school). It's based on the process used by Ingres and David, apparently. Very different from how most of us were taught to paint, I know!

[Terri Ficenec]

Michele, I meant to respond to this days ago, but must have been distracted before hitting the 'submit reply' button. . .

The painting itself is truly stunning, so beautifully done. Beautiful color, expression and warmth and the embossed chair, too. Wow! I'm amazed to see the in process shot of it... is there essentially a single coat of paint on most of the painting then? The painted part of what you're showing there sure looks as if it could be finished. . . ?

Kudos on all the well-deserved press you're getting too! Great shot of you and several of your paintings in the newspaper article. Masterful painting, masterful marketing. . . Michele, you're going places!

[Michele Rushworth]

is there essentially a single coat of paint on most of the painting then? The painted part of what you're showing there sure looks as if it could be finished. . . ?

Yes, in many places there is just one coat of paint. Of course, once a section is "done" there are always corrections, so some areas have two or three layers on them.

[Luca Vallifuoco]

Wow, what a marvelous job. I have no words for this paint, it is a masterwork, I love the light and the pose so much..compliments.
i think that it'll be interestant to see, if you have, some photos from work in progress. Can you post?

[Lisa Ober]

Fabulous, work, Michelle. Sorry I am so late in responding. I have been swamped and have only been able to pop in on rare occasions. I'm sure glad I did it today. Congratulations on a fine work and terrific publicity. You certainly deserve it.

[Sharon Knettell]

Michele,

Finally! I just got to see this after retuning from the coast.

What a stunning job. What press! Great subject! You and the governor must be both thrilled.

And as a bonus, he has two adorable girls and a beautiful wife. Potential there, I'm sure!

[Linda Nelson]

excellent job! - You and Garth have sure made it to the major leagues!

congratulations!
Linda