Portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt

As the first Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1946, Eleanor Roosevelt led the charge to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, now known as the “Bill of Rights for all humankind.” Her skills as a diplomat united a divided world around a common standard of human dignity. The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she was one of the country’s most passionate advocates for women, minorities, and the poor. During the Great Depression, Eleanor Roosevelt urged her husband’s administration to undertake a number of reforms to help the country’s most vulnerable. Later dubbed the “First Lady of the World,” Roosevelt traveled the globe, giving voice to the aspirations of those least able to speak out for themselves.

The Artist’s thoughts on painting this series- “The seven amazing individuals I will be “working with” have opened my eyes to so much and made me appreciate their courage. Because I have read many of their speeches, seen countless photographs, and watched significant video coverage of their work, I feel as though they are still alive.

As I roll steadfastly into 2014 charged with the task of bringing these heroes to life with paint on canvas, it is my sincere hope that I willfully and beautifully capture their light and their spirit. My hopes and wishes for everyone else in my world and beyond, as they march into 2014, is that they can all find the spark and the courage to embark on their own missions − to accomplish, to achieve, to overcome, to effect change. Even if it is small and personal – such as “giving back” to those in need, or finding peace within, or being a better friend, neighbor, or co-worker – as Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

About the Artist -

Painting since age six, Rossin’s has established an astonishing production capacity that enables him to keep his prices fair and reasonable. In addition to family portraiture, his clientele includes a wide range of world leaders in politics, business, science, history, and the arts. His work can be found in various government institutions, museums, and private collections around the world.

His four paintings in The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Permanent Collection in Washington DC are a testament to his extraordinary talent.