A 2023 Highlight: Painting a Ferrari SF90 on a Bollinger bottle
Painting by: Michelle Ramolete
One of the highlights of 2023 was the opportunity to showcase my skills as an artist. Fortunate to have been referred by my business coach Rosie Chhun, Ferrari (yes, you read that correctly!) reached out for my service. It was a two part request: a Live Event bottle painting at beautiful Law Estate Wines in Paso Robles, and the other an in studio project. The Live Event was for Ferrari Rally to Pebble Beach 2023. Paso Robles was one of their stops. The bottle pictured above is the in studio request: a Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee 1.5L bottle as a prize during one of their dinner events in Santa Barbara.
Before getting to the finished project above, I had to propose several different illustrations which the hiring agency in turn submitted to the Ferrari people. I did my best to create a presentation according to their inspiration board for the Rally. This was my first time taking on a luxury client of this caliber, so you better believe there were sleepless nights :D. The Ferrari people were kind enough to give me compliments but proposed an even better sketch. They asked if I could paint a Ferrari with Highway 1 in the background. One of my sketches included a beach scenery according to their mood board, but with no vehicle. (Duly noted, the owners are car enthusiasts and the request made complete sense). After all, the Ferrari owners were to drive along Highway 1 and make their stops. Decided to take deep breaths, then informed the agency I was up for the challenge.
Interestingly, one of my good friends' son loves cars. He has a Ferrari collection on his shelf. When I asked what his favorite Ferrari was and if they could take a picture, his mom sent over the same car I had considered sketching and painting! It was a red Ferrari SF90 and I was thrilled. This was definitely a sign to go for it. I then spent many hours researching photos of Highway 1 and videos and photos of the SF90.
There were so many lessons I learned from this experience. An important one being, if you speak positivity in your life, you can manifest so many things. It's flattering for people to believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself first and foremost. An instructor can teach you many techniques, but it is up to you to employ these techniques and challenge yourself to break out of your comfort zone. It is also your discretion to continue learning and strive to improve your skills and develop your own style.
For those who have followed my journey, thank you. I love the challenge of painting on glass, but I am pursuing paintings on canvas...So, stay tuned! ;0)
xoxo,
Michelle Ramolete from BeMyBelleDesigns