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In reply to the discussion: Michelle and Barack's Official Portraits Unveiled [View all]Princess Turandot
(4,784 posts)74. President Obama's painting is for the Nat'l Portrait Gallery's Hall of Presidents..
I believe that the 'official' portrait of the Presidents are the ones in the White House.
The ones in the NPG are not necessarily 'formal' looking. For example, JFK's was done by Elaine de Kooning: it's not the portrait best known of him with his arms folded, lost in thought, which is in the White House.
As to these, I like the one of PBO. I don't like the one of Michelle. The ashen/neutral skin color is the artist's signature style though, so she got what she wanted, I guess.
I don't know when any White House portraits will be done/installed. (The GW/Laura Bush ones were unveiled in 2012, in an event hosted by the Obamas.)
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that was my thought as well. you notice that none of them scream about mel's bare arms.
niyad
Feb 2018
#62
It's non-traditional, as were the Obamas. I like it. Art evolves, it doesn't have to stay the same.
brush
Feb 2018
#10
Ahhh...missed the point entirely. Maybe my use of "non-traditional" was too subtle.
brush
Feb 2018
#44
I agree... Michelles portrait was a let down and really doesnt look like her.
lancelyons
Feb 2018
#49
If you listen to the revealing ceremony and the speeches of the Obamas and the artists...
brush
Feb 2018
#47
I LOVE all their portraits. The paintings are part of African American Art styles, and
ancianita
Feb 2018
#29
It's important to see other paintings by the artist. That's what influenced Michelle's decision.
LAS14
Feb 2018
#48
You're missing one huge point. The Obamas picked the artists because they liked their styles
brush
Feb 2018
#65
You must not have watched the Obamas' speaches on the works. They were effusive in their praise.
brush
Feb 2018
#69
What is it with you? Both praised the works. These are the Obamas, not the lying trumps.
brush
Feb 2018
#72
Scoff all you want, change the subject too but that doesn't make your opinions of the works...
brush
Feb 2018
#77
I agree. I like the portrait but it doesn't matter. What does is Pres. Obama likes it.
brush
Feb 2018
#85
I agree, the painting just doesn't do justice to her. She is a larger than life figure and
smirkymonkey
Feb 2018
#81
I have to say I don't like them. If they were an Official Interpretation, fair enough, but they are
OnDoutside
Feb 2018
#61
Please stop... if people all had the same likes and dislikes there wouldn't even
procon
Feb 2018
#70
Why does my opinion of the opinion of strangers on the internet bother you?
progressoid
Feb 2018
#82
President Obama's painting is for the Nat'l Portrait Gallery's Hall of Presidents..
Princess Turandot
Feb 2018
#74
I like these portraits. They are a different style than the usual and that's a good thing.
beaglelover
Feb 2018
#100