ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Painter Michael Israel is used to making a splash, but not like this.
The world-renowned speed painter is known for creating larger than life paintings in mere minutes, but his performance at the Admiral Farragut Academy was unlike anything other.
"We’re here to do the first underwater speed painting," said Israel before jumping in the water.
Using a scuba tank, Israel completed a painting of Albert Einstein at the bottom of an 8-foot pool. New challenges come with a new environment.
"When I normally paint, I’m grounded," Israel said. "But in the water, even with the weight belt, I’m like, wow, wait a minute."
A special rubber-like paint is used so that it doesn’t dissolve in the water.
Israel says it's like painting with "silly putty."
Admiral Farragut Academy is a military academy in St. Petersburg. Israel will hold a benefit performance for the academy on April 6.
"I think think the best artwork is not what’s on the canvas, but what comes out of it," Israel said. "The people it inspires, the support it raises for worthy endeavors."
Dive students from Admiral Farragut Academy assisted in the processes by holding the canvas and pain.
"I’ve seen videos of people speed painting before, but watching it happen underwater is just so cool." said junior student Ty Ulevich.
"It was absolutely incredible," said senior student Melissa Price. "I’ve never seen anything like it before."
The Albert Einstein painting will be auctioned off at the April 6 benefit performance.
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