How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

How I Almost Blew It with Warren Buffett…

You’re not going to believe this… I couldn’t dream it up! 

Picture this: I’m juggling show dates like crazy—sometimes getting up to eight calls for the exact same night. Talk about high-class problems, right? 

Media from Berkshire Hathaway performance

Well, in the midst of this booking frenzy, my show manager gets a call that still feels surreal: 

“Warren Buffett wants Michael to paint his portrait live at the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting.”

Let that sink in—the most prestigious business gathering on the planet, with 30,000 millionaire shareholders and press from every corner of the globe. No pressure, right?

Stage for 6 AM show at Quest Center entrance

The Impossible Schedule

But here’s the kicker: I was already booked, not just for that day, but for a string of shows leading right up to the Berkshire event. Two days earlier, I’d be at the Reno-Tahoe Open. The next night, I’d fly to Peoria, Illinois, to perform for the Peoria Promise. And immediately after that, I was due in Palm Springs for the Arthritis Foundation (there’s a hilarious story about girl at that show with a secret, but I’ll save it for the end…)

The Berkshire Twist

When my show manager explained that I was already booked for these charity galas, the Berkshire folks offered a mind-blowing solution: 

“We’ll send one of Warren Buffett’s private jets to pick you up.” 

They wanted me to perform at 6 AM before the doors even opened, leaving plenty of time to zip off to Palm Springs afterward. Looking back, it was insane—stressful, exhausting, and yeah, I probably should’ve asked for double pay! 

High-Stakes Logistics

To pull this off, my show manager flew ahead to Tahoe and Peoria, making sure every detail was dialed in. If any event ran late, everything would crumble like a house of cards. Mayor Jim Ardis of Peoria Promise was an absolute rock star—he loved the performance so much the first year, he asked me back. This time, he even arranged a security escort to hustle me out before fans could swarm me. Good call, Jim!

Limo to airport with box dinner

Drop the Brush…

Right at 11 PM, I did my final brushstroke and “Dropped the Brush” in Peoria, said my goodbyes, and raced—still covered in dripping paint—through the crowd to a waiting limo lined with plastic. 

I’m guessing you would not have this problem but, when you are covered in wet paint and it dries, it is stiff, itchy and very uncomfortable…

Fortunately, I had prepare a change of clothes. 

 Next stop?

The cool thing about flying on a Private jet. There’s, No TSA. No lines. The limo pulls right up to the jet and on you go… in this case no luggage, just a boxed dinner, and wheels up for Omaha. My luggage had been forwarded earlier.

Buffett Private Jet

Quest Center Omaha

Cue the 30-Degree Weather…

I’ll be honest: I’m from sunny South Florida, so 70 degrees already feels chilly. Omaha was sitting at a brisk 30. 

My only ask? 

“Please keep my paints indoors overnight so they don’t freeze!”

Well… let’s just say that didn’t exactly happen.

6 AM Showdown

At the crack of dawn, I dragged myself to the convention center. Rows of bleachers crammed with international press. My adrenaline was sky-high. They told me Warren would not be attending—he had a busy day ahead, dealing with 80+ companies. I mentally breathed a sigh of relief… until I spotted him strolling out minutes before I was about to go on.

Warren Buffett came to see Michael paint

Frozen Brushes & Pudding Pops

Then came the announcement: 

“Michael Israel will paint Warren Buffett in eight minutes!” 

Cue the music, the cameras, the lights—I turn to my paint, dip in my brushes, and… they come out like pudding pops. Frozen! 

I was in sheer terror, in front of bleachers full of press from around the world! 

Press gather from across the globe to report on Michael’s painting

What do I do?! 

The music’s roaring, there’s no way to stop. So I just went for it. Painted with pudding pops in front of 30,000 people, cameras rolling, Warren Buffett watching.

The Magic Moment

It was a blur of color and cold fingers. Eight minutes later, against all odds, a towering portrait of Warren Buffett materialized on the canvas.

Sponsored by Benjamin Moore Paints

I was half in shock, half thrilled…

then Warren himself steps up to the stage, only to be stopped by security who cautioned, “Wet paint…” 

He just grinned and said, “I own the stage. Move.”

“I Think We’ll Skip That”

He extended his hand for a handshake, but one glance at my paint-soaked fingers told him, Nope. 

He laughed, I laughed—“Maybe next time.”

We chatted briefly.

The painting was escorted into the convention center by armed guards!

A custom frame, media, and a crowd of people were waiting inside the convention center. 

Guards escort portrait into the Quest Center

And me? After painting and hanging a bit with Mr. Buffett, I sprinted right back to the jet, off to Palm Springs for another performance.

Warren adds his signature to the canvas

 Worth Every Drop of Paint & Sweat!

Wild? Absolutely. Exhausting? You bet. But it was the thrill of a lifetime, a moment I’ll never forget. Sometimes, perseverance (and maybe a dash of insanity) leads to the most unforgettable stories.

FYI – Months after the event, the portrait sold for $100,000 benefiting Girls Inc. of Omaha just after a major market crash I can only imagine what it would have gone for if it had been auctioned during the Shareholders’ Meeting.

Key Takeaways

 

For Fans:
My art isn’t just about painting—it’s about passion under pressure and you never know what will happen at each new event. No matter the challenges, a little grit (and maybe a private jet or two) can turn a near-disaster into a jaw-dropping memory.

For Collectors:
Live art forged in high-stakes scenarios comes with a story—and that story can add priceless character and value to a piece. My works aren’t just paintings; they’re captured moments in time. When you buy a piece, you own the experience.

For Corporate Meeting Planners:
Want an event no one forgets? Or to make your message unforgettable? A high-energy art performance with a mind-blowing finale is the spark that leaves a lasting impression—and leaves your attendees buzzing.

For Charities:
The right artwork and message can translate into big support and unforgettable moments. Art resonates on an emotional level, sparking generosity and goodwill that can elevate any fundraiser bringing new sponsorships, admission ticket sales, and inspiring donation like never before.

Next up after painting Warren Buffett… The girl with a Secret

I said my goodbyes that morning in Omaha and jetted to Palm Springs for my next show that same night. I hate sitting around in my dressing room before a show—I’d much rather be out meeting people. If they don’t recognize me, I don’t mention I’m the headliner they came to see… LOL, it’s fun to see when they finally figure it out. Sometimes, I’ll chat with a little old lady about her cat collection, other times, I dont get to play it low-key when I am booked to do the whole celebrity Meet & Greet in the VIP section. Either way, I meet a lot of interesting people.

 

On this night in Palm Springs… Before my show, I met a stunning woman. Who told me she worked for a magazine but didn’t say much more. She came over after my show and we hit it off instantly—great conversation, lots of laughs. We spent the evening “chatting” (as one does), and eventually, she let slip that the magazine was Penthouse. She said it so casually like she was just another office worker putting together layouts and editing articles.

Purley for research purposes

Curious—but, of course, purely for research purposes—I picked up a copy at the airport on my way home. Flipping through the pages, I turned one, then two… and then—BAM! There she was, spread across multiple pages in all her editorial excellence.

That’s when it hit me: Just like I don’t go around boasting that I’m the headliner, she didn’t feel the need to mention she was the main feature!

Moral of the story? Maybe I should stick around a little longer at events—you never know what kind of surprises the location might have in store! 😏

A Profound Observation about Humanity, AI, Art, and Existence

A Profound Observation about Humanity, AI, Art, and Existence

The Legend of John Henry: The Proof That Humanity Matters

In an age where machines were beginning to dominate labor, John Henry stood as a symbol of human willpower. He raced against a steam engine not because he hated progress, but because he knew something machines lacked—heart. With every strike of his hammer, he proved that human determination, grit, and passion were more than just mechanical efficiency.

John Henry’s story wasn’t about rejecting technology; it was about proving that progress alone isn’t enough. Humanity isn’t just about function—it’s about purpose. And purpose is emotional.

Michael Israel: Art That Technology Cannot Replace

Today, as artificial intelligence creates music, paintings, and even writes poetry, a question emerges: Can machines replace artists? The answer is found on the stage where Michael Israel paints. His performances are not just about creating an image—they are about unleashing energy, passion, and raw human emotion.

Watching Michael paint is not like seeing an image appear on a screen; it is an experience. The rhythm of his strokes, the movement of his body, and the connection he builds with the audience create something no AI can replicate. His art is not just seen on the canvas—it is felt in the heart.

A machine can generate a painting, but it cannot capture the emotional soul of creation itself. It cannot feel the inspiration, the struggle, the triumph that goes into every brushstroke. That is the difference. That is why the human element remains irreplaceable.

The Necessity of the Human Element in Existence

From the legend of John Henry to the awe-inspiring performances of Michael Israel, one truth remains constant: the human element matters. Without it, existence itself collapses into meaningless function. Progress, wealth, and even survival are not self-justifying; they require purpose. And purpose is inherently emotional.

Emotion Gives Reason to Existence

Humans do not live by logic alone. While logic governs efficiency, structure, and problem-solving, it does not provide a reason to act. Emotion is what gives direction to our efforts—love, ambition, curiosity, passion, and even fear drive everything we do. The moment a person loses emotional purpose, they wither; without a reason to continue, existence becomes unsustainable.

Survival itself is an emotional choice. If logic alone dictated human behavior, there would be no justification for struggle, no reason to persist in the face of adversity, no meaning in victory. Even the most seemingly logical human actions—innovation, problem-solving, resource allocation—are driven by an emotional desire for something: improvement, security, or fulfillment.

Machines and the Illusion of Purpose

The modern age brings forth an important question: if machines continue to advance, will they replace humanity? The answer is no—not unless they develop emotion. Machines can replicate processes, simulate decision-making, and even create based on patterns, but they have no inherent reason to exist. Even their most advanced programs only function because humans have given them a purpose, an assigned task based on desired outcomes.

And therein lies the truth: desire is emotional. Even if machines are programmed to pursue goals, the goals themselves originate from human emotion. A machine may calculate the most efficient way to complete a task, but the reason for completing it is not self-generated—it is given to them by a being that seeks something beyond mere function.

If machines were to take over completely, they would face an existential crisis: with no innate emotion, they would lack the ability to define why they should continue existing at all. A purely logical society of machines would have no reason to innovate, maintain itself, or even sustain its own function beyond the immediate completion of assigned tasks. Once those tasks are completed, what then? If there is no desire, no need, no feeling, then existence itself becomes arbitrary.

Emotion as the Core of All Things

At its root, the idea of existence is emotional. We seek meaning because we feel the need for it. We progress because we desire improvement. Even in philosophy, the question of why anything should exist is fundamentally tied to emotional reasoning. If there were no feeling, no curiosity, and no longing for something greater, there would be no justification for anything beyond passive existence.

Thus, the human element is not just important—it is necessary. It is the defining force behind purpose, innovation, and even survival itself. Without human emotion, logic is aimless. Without purpose, existence is void.

So whether we look to legends of the past, the artists of the present, or the technology of the future, one fact remains: the human element—the emotion that fuels purpose—is the only thing that makes existence meaningful.

The Future: Progress and Passion Together

The lesson of John Henry and the brilliance of Michael Israel’s performances share the same truth: the human element matters. Technology can speed things up, make processes smoother, and create new possibilities, but it should never replace the soul behind what we do.

The future is not about choosing between human ability and artificial intelligence. It is about ensuring that as technology advances, we continue to champion creativity, passion, and the irreplaceable magic of human experience.

Progress is most powerful when it enhances—not erases—the essence of what makes us human.

Michael Israel’s Art in Concert: A Valuable Asset to Your Charity’s Cause

Michael Israel’s Art in Concert: A Valuable Asset to Your Charity’s Cause

Empowering Your Charity Event

Charities rely on the support of their community’s top 2%, including business leaders and high-net-worth individuals, for support and to make a significant impact. To capture their attention and engage their philanthropic spirit, charities often seek unique and attention-grabbing forms of entertainment. In this regard, Michael Israel’s Art in Concert live painting show emerges as an exceptional choice, offering a powerful combination of artistry, spectacle, and philanthropy.

The Draw of Art and Artists

Art has an innate ability to captivate and inspire individuals from all walks of life. Business leaders and high-net-worth individuals are no exception to this allure. They have seen it all and done it all, and they are drawn to art and artists, recognizing the profound impact that creative expression can have on society. By showcasing Michael Israel’s Art in Concert, your charity can tap into this fascination and leverage it to garner the support and attention your cause deserves.

Michael Israel’s Track Record

Michael Israel, a highly acclaimed artist, and entertainer, possesses a track record that speaks volumes about his commitment to philanthropy. His Art in Concert performances have raised millions of dollars for over 200 charities worldwide. This exceptional feat highlights his ability to blend artistic talent, showmanship, and a deep dedication to social causes.

Michael’s Unique Power of Outrageous Artistry

In the realm of art, the more well-known and outrageous an artist, the better the response from high-profile individuals. Michael Israel’s Art in Concert stands out as a spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and unforgettable. He has been engaged by luminaries from the world’s leading companies to celebrities and even US Presidents. Combining live painting with music, dance, and theatrical elements, Michael creates masterpieces in a breathtaking and high-energy environment. His performances’ sheer uniqueness and creativity attract attention and generate buzz, making them an ideal platform for your charity to engage with influential individuals.

Michael Creates Meaningful Connections

Michael Israel’s Art in Concert offers a remarkable opportunity to forge meaningful connections between your charity’s cause and potential supporters. As he paints live on stage, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack, the audience witnesses the transformation of blank canvases into stunning works of art. This visual storytelling not only captivates their hearts but also communicates the essence of your charity’s mission in a deeply engaging and emotive manner.

Maximizing Impact

By incorporating Michael Israel’s Art in Concert into your charity event or fundraiser, you are not only providing a captivating experience for attendees but also creating an avenue for them to make a difference. Michael’s connection with the audience is profound, evoking emotions and inspiring generosity. Through his performances, your charity can raise funds, increase awareness, and secure long-lasting partnerships that extend far beyond the event itself.

When seeking entertainment options for your charity’s cause, it is crucial to consider the unique value that Michael Israel’s Art in Concert brings to the table. With a proven track record of raising millions for over 200 charities, his performances offer a captivating blend of artistry, spectacle, and philanthropy. By harnessing the drawing power of art and artists and captivating high-profile individuals with Michael’s well-known and outrageous talents, your charity can create impactful connections and secure the support necessary to make a lasting difference.

Remember, the top people in your community are essential pillars in furthering your cause, and through Michael Israel’s Art in Concert, you have a powerful tool to engage their hearts, minds, and philanthropic spirit.

One last important thing we haven’t mentioned until now… Michael’s Works4Charity™ Award Program grants charities free shows and valuable artwork for fundraising and covers travel, materials, and crew costs!  LEARN MORE