The Chamber, The Leader, and The Leap of Faith: Painting Bill Gunnin
- Michele Moore
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Art is often seen as a solitary pursuit, something done in the quiet corners of a studio like the Moore Museum of Art & Natural History (my house)😂🤣. On the other hand, a Chamber of Commerce is the pulse of a city—vibrant, social, and professional. Typically, these two worlds don't overlap, but three years ago, they did.
Joining the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about business networking; it was about finding a family.
My journey with the Chamber started through my service as a Board Member for the North Port Art Center. They sponsored my participation in the North Port Area Chamber Leadership North Port program, where I graduated as the Vice President of the Class of 2022. By the end of that year, Bone Boutique became a proud member of the Chamber, led by the incomparable Bill Gunnin.
When Lance Broat of the Venice Print Center approached me to paint Bill’s portrait, I felt a rush of pride and pure nerves. It was a "nail-biter" the entire time because I know Bill. When you paint a leader you respect, you have to capture their soul.
I don’t consider myself a portrait artist—my heart is usually in the anatomical world and loose paintings. But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I figured it was time to put my years of experience to the ultimate test.
I’ll let you in on a studio secret: I didn’t get it right the first time. My first attempt was on Arches 300 lb paper, but the texture was too rough. It didn't sit right with me. I started over from scratch on 140 lb 100% cotton, Hot Pressed watercolor paper. The smooth surface allowed for the precision and warmth Bill brings to his office every day.
The portrait itself was only half the story. The frame it sits in carries its own weight. It belonged to my father, who passed away three years ago, and my stepmother, who passed this past year. When my sister gave me a collection of their paintings for the frames, I knew this specific one was meant for Bill. Using a piece of my family’s history to hold the image of a man who has been so central to my professional family felt right. It turned the commission into a legacy.
Since the reveal, I’ve been asked the same question over and over: "Is that a photograph?" When I tell them it’s a painting, the next guess is always oil. There is a look of genuine shock when I explain it is actually watercolor. It’s a powerful feeling to take a medium known for being difficult and render it with such realism that it stops people in their tracks.
We had the grand reveal at the Chamber Holiday Party at Twisted Fork. I actually kept the painting at home for a while after that—partly due to holiday closures, but mostly because it was just so awesome to see it in my studio. During that time, I used our new archival printer to produce high-end reproductions and notecards for Bill to keep.
Finally, while Bill and the Executive Board were away in Tallahassee, I made my move and hung the portrait. When I returned to install the official placard, Bill made the ultimate call: he moved the portrait directly into his private office.
I am beyond honored to have rendered the portrait of William Gunnin. Having it in his personal workspace is the highest compliment I could receive. Next time you are at the Chamber, tell Bill you're there to see the artwork. It’s more than just paint on paper—it’s a piece of our North Port history, a tribute to family, and a reminder to always step outside your comfort zone.
Comments