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Monday, September 15, 2008

Justice O'Connor Portrait Unveiled



I had the honor and pleasure to unveil my portrait of retired US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, Spetember 12, 2008. Never have I known a more warm, gracious, and engaging person. I am thrilled to have had the privilege of getting to know her both in person and in paint.

For more on the unveiling click here:
http://www.law.asu.edu/?id=1421

5 comments:

Peggi Habets Studio said...

I remember seeing her portrait in progress at the conference last year. It's great how the final protrait looks. It really took 2 years?

MIchael Shane Neal said...

Hi Peggi- Thanks for stopping in and for your nice comments. It does not always take this long, but as you can imagine... the Justice has a very busy schedule! Since I like to be with my clients and work from life whenever i can, it was quite a bit of time between each of our meetings. I ultimately had three very valuable visits over that period of time with the Justice...a very warm, engaging and special human being, she is everything you would hope.

Laurel Alanna McBrine said...

Hi Shane,

Thanks for the postcard!

Wasn't your subject in pink before?

By the way, I am in love with your circular portrait of Maddie. Did you use a reference photograoh? I can't imagine she was able to stay too still at that age, but obviously you have also spent plenty of time staring adoringly at her.

www.laurelmcbrine.blogspot.com

MIchael Shane Neal said...

Hi Laurel--Yes, she was in pink for the longest time! We ended up with a fun RED instead! I like it better. Thanks for your nice compliment. I can't get those little one's to stay still long enough! I wish I could paint as fast as Sorolla...or as well! I admit to leaning heavily on my camera, but i have sketched her here in the studio several times.

Chris Ousley said...

Shane,

Justice O'Connor's portrait looks great. Are you putting in 26 hour days yet? You need to work harder. Don't slack! ;-)
Is Maddie's portrait that Laurel mentioned on your site? I could not find it.