Governor Joe Lombardo Official Portrait
Submitted by:
Sheffield Abella, MFA
Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Fine Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Email: sheffield.abella@unlv.edu
Phone: 702.604.8800
Website: https://sheff.com
Date: February 14, 2026
Submitted via: Nevada Arts Council
Submittable Platform
Sheffield Abella, MFA
Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Fine Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Email: sheffield.abella@unlv.edu
Phone: 702.604.8800
Website: https://sheff.com
Date: February 14, 2026
Submitted via: Nevada Arts Council
Submittable Platform
Statement of Interest
I am excited to submit this proposal for the commission to paint the official portrait of Governor Joe Lombardo, to be displayed in the Nevada State Capitol. As a lifelong artist and educator based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with over 30 years of experience in fine art, illustration, and portraiture, I am deeply committed to capturing the essence of influential figures through my work. My background in traditional oil painting, combined with my teaching roles at UNLV where I instruct in drawing, color theory, and digital painting, positions me uniquely to create a portrait that honors Governor Lombardo’s leadership while aligning with the dignified style of Nevada’s gubernatorial portrait tradition. Governor Lombardo’s tenure, marked by his law enforcement background and focus on public safety, economic development, and community resilience, inspires a portrait that conveys strength, approachability, and forward-thinking vision. I propose an oil-on-canvas portrait that emphasizes realistic rendering with subtle expressive elements, drawing from photographic references provided by the state. This commission resonates with my artistic practice, which bridges classical techniques with contemporary storytelling, and I am eager to contribute to Nevada’s historical record through this work. I confirm my ability to complete the project within the specified timeline (June–November 2026), adhere to the $40,000 budget, and register as a state vendor with an active Nevada business license.
Artist Biography and ResumeSheffield Abella is a versatile artist and designer with more than three decades of professional experience. He holds an MFA and is currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) since 2023, teaching courses in illustration, digital illustration, drawing, painting, color theory, character design, and visual development. His work spans freelance illustration, graphic design, and fine art commissions, including portraits that capture personal narratives and cultural significance.
Professional Experience:
- Visiting Assistant Professor, UNLV College of Fine Arts (2023–Present): Teaching illustration and digital art; developing curriculum on artistic techniques.
- Freelance Artist and Designer (1990–Present): Completed numerous commissions for portraits, character designs, and visual development projects for clients in entertainment, education, and private sectors.
- Senior Graphic Artist, Kizzang LLC (2014–Present): Led design teams on visual projects.
- Previous roles include teaching drawing and painting at various institutions and contributing to IP development projects.
Education:
2009 – 2013. MFA Animation, Visual Development Emphasis, Academy of Art University, 79 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94105.
1991 – 1994. BFA Visual Communication, Illustration Emphasis, Art Center College of Design, 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103.
- Extensive training in traditional oil painting and portraiture through workshops and self-study.
Selected Exhibitions and Commissions:
- Abella, Sheffield. 2025. Erl. Oil portrait. Group show: 25th Annual Celebrating Life!, Charleston Heights Arts Center, Las Vegas, NV. Presented by the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Arts Commission. Juror: Professor Robin Stark.
- Abella, Sheffield. 2014. Geoffrey Holder. Watercolor portrait. 3rd Place, Nevada Watercolor Society Fall Show, Sahara West Public Library, Las Vegas, NV. Judge: Carl Purcell. Group show.
- Commissioned portraits for private clients, including public figures and families, emphasizing lifelike detail and emotional depth.
My portfolio demonstrates a strong command of oil painting, with a focus on realistic portraiture that matches the formal, dignified style of previous Nevada gubernatorial portraits (e.g., those by Galina Perova, Adrian Gottlieb, and Michele Rushworth). Examples available at www.instagram.com/pixelcolada.
Proposal Timeline
| Phase | Activities & Milestones | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Kickoff consultation; gather references & discuss preferences | Jun 1 | Jun 15 |
| 2. Sketches |
Produce 3–5 pencil sketches; submit & revise. Milestone: Approval by Jul 15 |
Jun 16 | Jul 15 |
| 3. Color Comps |
Create 2–3 color studies (gouache/watercolor/digital); submit & revise. Milestone: Concept approval by Jul 31 |
Jul 16 | Jul 31 |
| 4. Painting |
Execute oil painting; bi-weekly progress photos. Milestone: Mid-review approval Sep 15 |
Aug 1 | Oct 15 |
| 5. Final Review |
Submit near-final work; incorporate revisions. Milestone: Final approval Oct 31 |
Oct 16 | Oct 31 |
| 6. Framing & Delivery |
Frame (matching Capitol style); quality check & insure. Milestone: Framing approval Nov 15; delivery Nov 30 |
Nov 1 | Nov 30 |
Short statement describing why I should be considered for this commission
As an artist and professor, I find profound joy in drawing and painting the human figure. There is something endlessly captivating about capturing the subtle play of light across skin, the graceful tension in a muscle, or the quiet vulnerability in a gaze. Each portrait becomes a conversation between observation and emotion, where every line and brushstroke reveals not just anatomy, but the unique spirit of the person before me. Whether working from life, reference photos, or imagination, the human form never ceases to inspire me—its infinite variations in posture, expression, and presence offer an eternal well of discovery and delight. For me, rendering the figure is both a technical challenge and a deeply personal celebration of humanity itself.
Budget
| 1 |
EXPENSES – DESCRIPTION
|
EXPENSES – PROJECTED AMOUNT
|
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Artist Fee
|
$37800
|
| 3 |
Materials
|
$500
|
| 4 |
Insurance
|
N/A
|
| 5 |
Travel/Hotel
|
$500
|
| 6 |
Shipping
|
N/A
|
| 7 |
Framing
|
$1200
|
| 8 |
ENTER ANY ADDITIONAL EXPENSES BELOW:
|
*
|
| 9 |
|
|
| 10 |
Total
|
$40,000
|
Sample Images
