Senator Byrd Celebrates 20,774 Days in Congress

Today Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia becomes the longest serving member of Congress in our nation's history.  With his combined 6 years in the House of Represenatives and his unprecedented 9 consecutive terms in the Senate, he now totals over 56 years of service.  

When he first came to Washington as a young Congressman from his home state (Jan. 3, 1953) Harry Truman was president and most Americans still looked to newspapers and the radio for their daily news.  

I had the great fortune and priviledge of painting his portrait for the U.S. Senate.  He is an amzaing man of dignity and charm and one of the most powerful intellects I have ever had the chance to encounter.  

My Palette after Life Sitting

A friend of mine suggested that I post a photo of my palette after my sitting yesterday. Boring or interesting...don't know????...but...here is a shot of the palette after 2 hours of painting a gentleman from life.

Painting Portraits: An Artist's Perspective Lecture Series

Painting Portraits: An Artist's Perspective
Tuesdays, Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10 and 17
3-4:30, p.m., Ezell Center, David Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee
Cost: $50
Instructor: Michael Shane Neal, artist

I will be presenting a series of lectures on my work as an artist paintng portraits.  Each class will include a power point presentation as well as a behind the scenes look at some of my recent commissions. For more information contact the Lifelong Learning Office at 615-966-5733 or toll-free at 800-333-4358, ext. 5733 for a registration form.  You may also contact Patty Dugger at 615-966-5733 or toll-free at 800-333-4358, ext. 5733 or e-mailPatty.Dugger@lipscomb.edu.

Senator Ted Kennedy

 

As an artist who has had the incredible honor of working for the United States Senate, I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Kennedy on two occasions in the last couple of years.  The first was after he introduced me at the unveiling of my portrait of Senator Robert Byrd.  I was immediately impressed with his approachable nature and genuine interest in others. 

 

A few months later, his office phoned to request a photo of my portrait of Senator Byrd.  Senator Kennedy wanted to frame the image along with several mementoes including a handwritten note by his brother President John Kennedy and an autograph by his brother Bobby.  The collage was a gift for Byrd’s 90^th birthday. 

 

I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the event and enjoyed Senator Kennedy's remarks as master of ceremonies.  In closing the festivities, he presented the gift to Byrd.  Afterward, I spoke to Senator Kennedy and thanked him for including my portrait in such a special way.  Once again I found him to be totally charming, engaging, and well versed in the art of portraiture.  He had painted a bit himself and was a devoted art lover and collector.

 

When I learned early last year of his illness, I created a sketch of him on a small canvas panel and sent it as a sort of “get-well card”. 

 

Although I often refer to my career as having only just begun, when I think of the many opportunities I have been given to meet such historical figures as Senator Edward Kennedy, I am truly amazed and grateful.  I was impressed to find a man of such great power, talent and influence exercise grace and genuine curiosity in a young artist's work.

Sorolla: A Master of Color and Value

My dear friend and teacher Everett Raymond Kinstler was a student of the great painter Gordon Stevenson (1892-1982).  Stevenson studied with both John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla. While in Spain working with the great master artist, Stevenson was amazed at the clarity of color and mastery of value that came from the artist's brush.  

Sorolla taught that good color comes from good value and a SIMPLE palette.  

All too often we tend to think good color comes from the shelves of the local art store and the dozens of colors that are at our disposal.  A friend reminded me recently of the simplicity of Sorolla's palette:  

Zink white, Yellow Ochre, Seville Red Earth, Rose Madder, Ivory Black, Cassell Earth (Brown).  

Remember...good color comes from good value, color harmony, and a simple palette!

Another Touch of Inspiration

One of my favorite series of portraits by Everett Raymond Kinstler are those of Katharine Hepburn. 

This one, currently hanging in a club in NYC blows me away everytime I see it.  Mr. Kinstler's last of the great actress... it is my favorite.  

Here is a CLOSE UP I shot recently.   Look at those edges, volume, subtle value and temp shifts!  Did I mention the likeness....wow!  What a MASTER.

May Portrait Workshop

I had a great week working with a fantastic class in my May workshop.  Everyone dug in and worked hard.  We enjoyed painting from life and sharing knowledge and experiences with each other.  I am honored to have so many dedicated artists who travel from around the country ready and excited to learn and grow as artists.