Gustavo Dudamel
Commissioned Portrait of the Incoming Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra


Presenting the "wrapped" Portrait to Maestro Dudamel, 02 October 2009 (LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at right, LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina at left)


Gustavo examining his portrait -
He joked to me that his hair looked much better in my portrait than on his head! I replied that I had drawn him on a "good hair day," which made him laugh.


Bienvenida a Dudamel
by J Michael Walker, 2009
Color pencil on Arches paper,
24" high x 36" wide (image)

This piece (at left) was commissioned in July 2009, by the Latino Committee to Weclome Dudamel, and was formally presented to the new LA Phil Director on the occasion of a formal Gala reception from the Latino Community, on October 2, 2009.

The image features Gustavo Dudamel, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and two young musicians.



Maestro Dudamel (looking here like a matador) unveils his portrait.


Gustavo spirits his portrait away off stage.
His lovely wife Eloisa is at left. A lovely, gracious couple.
Photos by Elsa Flores and Isabel Rojas. Used by permission.