Painting Malcolm Baldrige's Portrait for The Baldrige School of Business, Post University

 Painting Malcolm Baldrige's Portrait

 

 

In July  I was contacted by Post University to paint a portrait of Malcolm Baldrige for the newly named Malcolm Baldrige School of Business. What an honor to paint such a fine man of such integrity. 

Malcolm "Mac" Baldrige, Jr. was the 26th United States Secretary of Commerce. He was highly regarded by the world's most preeminent leaders. Congress named the annual award  Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award  for product quality in his honor. The Baldrige Award is the only formal recognition of the performance excellence of both public and private U.S. organizations given by the President of the United States. On October 17, 1988, Baldridge was presented, posthumously, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan.

When I saw the black and white the reference photo that Post University gave me to base the portrait on. I was immediately struck by the intensity of Malcolm's gaze. He looked like he could look right thru you...I was hooked...wow, this was going to be an exciting portrait to paint. Then, in doing my normal research about my subject, (before I begin to start the portrait process), I soon realized that I was not painting an ordinary individual. This man was a true leader. A man of  immense values, integrity and commitment.

The world today, would be a much better place with more people like Malcolm Baldrige!

Malcolm Baldrige

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business,  Post University

oil on linen  20 x 16

                                                                                                     The reference photo

I was very pleased that Post University was so happy with my  oil portrait of Malcolm Baldrige. Here is a comment by Bob Sembiante at Post University.

Susan, it looks LOVELY!  If you think about it, the fact that I engaged you simply from your website is astounding.  But the work you showed there was quite exceptional, and you’ve done it again. I’m sure the Baldrige family will be thrilled that you’ve taken this black and white photo and made it come to life in full color!

Many, many thanks…not only for your professionalism, but for putting so much heart into this effort.  It is a joy to work with you!

Bob Sembiante 

Communications Associate

Post University

 

 

Dear Susan,

 On behalf of the Post University and the Baldrige family, thank you so much for painting such a magnificent portrait of Malcolm Baldrige and for joining us at our recent celebration. It was an honor to have you there.

Please know that your painting will be a very special part of the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business for years to come.

Again, I’m so glad you were able to join us at this special event.

 

Warmly,

Tom Samph, Ph.D.

President of Post University

 

The artist at the unveiling

The unveiling was a wonderful and exciting event.  Post University President and CEO Tom Samph, Ph.D., was joined by “Mac’s” daughter, Molly Baldrige; members of the current Board of Trustees; Harry Hertz, Director of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program; Don Mroz, Provost and Dean of The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business, and Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary, among other invited guests, at this special event in honor of Baldrige’s commitment to business excellence. 

 

 Here is a  link regarding the event http://waterburyobserver.org/node/1328

 

To meet the Artist and visit The Lobster Pot Studio, please click on the link below to see a delightful 4 minute film created by PBS Director/Producer James Nicoloro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FPcV4Qi9_E&feature=youtu.be

To see more artwork by Susan Boone Durkee visit:

www.SusanDurkee.com