Washington, DC…10 minutes until showtime!
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Washington, DC…10 minutes until showtime!
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HERO – A Heart-Warming Speed Painting Performance Depicting a Firefighter’s Sacrifice to Save His Own Daughter
Hero —the most endearing speed painting performance portrays a young firefighter who risks his life to save a child after being told by his chief, “Get Out! Save yourself, the building is collapsing.” Facing the flames and thinking he might not make it out alive, it becomes apparent when he reaches the child she is his very own 4-yr old daughter. Read the full story below.
Don’t miss the end! Goosebumps, cheers, smiles, and tears! This work has helped with many important causes and produced by Wolfgang Films. HERO explores commitment to an ideal. It asks the question: What endeavor would you undertake knowing full well that the odds are you will fail? What would you give your all to knowing you will likely be severely injured or even die trying? What is the greatest possible reward, and in that thought, what is the most valuable and priceless thing on earth? Paul and Chrissie are a young couple in their twenties, and have started a new family. The story as told by Chrissie I’ll never forget that day…It plays like a movie in my mind, over and over. My Husband, Paul, didn’t even eat breakfast that day. He was so excited he wanted to get to the fire station early. It was his first week on the job. Paul headed for the door but realized he had forgotten something important to him…
Jessie, our adorable three-year-old. She came running across the floor and jumped up in his arms…when Paul told her that he loved her, Jessie’s face lit up with a big smile, and in her tiny voice, she said, ” Daddy, will you play with me when you get home?” Paul smiled and said, “Of Course, Jessie… you are why I do what I do!” And then Jessie said, ” Daddy, you’re my big HERO…be careful, Daddy.” I hated that we both had to work, but I was glad Jessie could go to Gayle’s apartment to play with her daughter, Jen. When we got there, Jessie and Jen started playing with dolls right away and chattering about one thing and then another, and I heard Jen say that her Dad worked up in the clouds in the tallest office building. Then on my way out the door, I heard Jessie tell Jen that her Daddy is a Fireman. She sounded so proud. I left feeling happy and proud of both Jessie and Paul. I didn’t know that day would change my life….forever! Gayle told me that Jessie got up to go to the bathroom. Right after she closed the door, there was a massive explosion. Gayle said the apartment was filled with smoke. Without even thinking, she grabbed Jen and ran out. She said she frantically found the Fire Chief and told him that another little girl was trapped in the bathroom, up in her apartment. She told me she didn’t know what to do as the Chief told her there was no way that he could send any more men into that collapsing, old building as it was too far gone. They had also lost two Firefighters in the blaze. Then, Gayle heard Paul’s voice on the radio, saying he was on the second floor. The Chief told Paul to “GET OUT! He had his own family to think about.” … read the rest at http://michaelisrael.com/2012/videos/…
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 don’t 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! 😏
PAST EVENT “Paint the Lake: A Virtual Extravaganza of Art and Imagination”
Paint the Lake featuring Artist Michael Israel
The Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) proudly presents “Paint the Lake,” an extraordinary event that brought together art enthusiasts from around the world for an unforgettable evening of creativity and entertainment. Renowned artist, entertainer, and philanthropist Michael Israel took center stage, captivating the audience with his mesmerizing artistic performances streamed live from his studio. This virtual event left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Event Highlights:
The virtual extravaganza began at 7:30 pm with a lively virtual cocktail party, where attendees had the opportunity to interact and share their excitement. The Untouchables, a high-energy multi-instrumental group, set the tone with their captivating blend of R&B, Old Time Rock-N-Roll, and Classic Soul music. The electrifying performance energized the virtual space, creating a dynamic atmosphere that set the stage for Michael Israel’s grand entrance.
As the clock struck 8 pm, Michael Israel graced “the stage” and unleashed his extraordinary artistic talent. With deft brushstrokes and an undeniable passion for his craft, he brought art to life before the virtual audience’s eyes. Every stroke of his brush exuded emotion and creativity, leaving the viewers awestruck. The evening culminated in an exhilarating art auction, providing art enthusiasts with a chance to bid on and potentially own one of Michael Israel’s magnificent original pieces.
Engagement and Interaction:
Throughout the event, attendees actively participated in the virtual chat, sharing their enthusiasm and engaging in vibrant conversations about the art, music, and overall experience. Attendees were encouraged to upload pictures of their own house parties, further fostering a sense of community and connection among art lovers. The lively interaction added an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the event, creating an immersive experience for all participants.
Social Experience and Corporate Sponsorship:
For those seeking a more social experience, Group Ther-happy streamed the event, offering a limited number of seats for attendees to enjoy a delightful dinner while watching the show. The event also provided opportunities for corporate sponsors to participate as VIP guests, enjoying exclusive benefits such as full event access for their guests, unique prints, and special merchandise. Digital advertisements and social media mentions before, during, and after the event added to the exposure and recognition of corporate sponsors.
Conclusion:
Paint the Lake featuring Artist Michael Israel, was a resounding success, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of both the artist and the event organizers. From the virtual cocktail party and mesmerizing musical performances to Michael Israel’s awe-inspiring artistry and the exhilarating art auction, the event left a lasting impression on all attendees. The CLA’s commitment to bringing exceptional art experiences to a global audience was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and engagement. Paint the Lake will undoubtedly be remembered as an exceptional and unforgettable event that brought art to life in the virtual realm.
The Chautauqua Lake Association (CLA) is a renowned organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Chautauqua Lake, located in Western New York. Founded in 1953, the CLA has been at the forefront of protecting the lake’s natural beauty and promoting its ecological well-being for over six decades.
With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the CLA works tirelessly to address the lake’s challenges, including water quality, aquatic vegetation management, and the prevention of harmful algal blooms. The organization’s dedicated team of scientists, researchers, and volunteers collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and educational institutions to develop effective strategies and implement sustainable solutions.
The CLA’s multifaceted approach encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including lake maintenance and improvement, watershed management, public education, and community outreach. Through extensive monitoring and data collection efforts, the organization continually assesses the lake’s health and implements proactive measures to preserve its ecological balance.
In addition to its conservation efforts, the CLA plays a vital role in fostering community engagement and appreciation for Chautauqua Lake. Through various educational programs, lake tours, and public events, the organization seeks to raise awareness about the lake’s importance and inspire individuals to become advocates for its long-term protection.
Furthermore, the CLA actively collaborates with local businesses, organizations, and government entities to ensure a collective approach to lake management. By fostering partnerships and encouraging stakeholder involvement, the CLA aims to create a unified front in safeguarding the lake’s ecosystem and promoting its sustainable use.
The Chautauqua Lake Association stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, working tirelessly to preserve the natural splendor of Chautauqua Lake for future generations. With its unwavering dedication, scientific expertise, and community involvement, the CLA serves as a model organization, setting the standard for lake conservation efforts.