And for the first time, the official names of the artists have been revealed – Robert McCurdy, who painted the portrait of President Obama, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind the portrait of Ms. Michelle Obama.
And for the first time, the official names of the artists have been revealed – Robert McCurdy, who painted the portrait of President Obama, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind the portrait of Ms. Michelle Obama.
Official portraits of former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were unveiled in their presence during a glittering ceremony at the White House in Washington on September 7.
In addition to Mr. Obama and Ms. Michelle Obama, President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attended the ceremony, among others.
During the ceremony, Mr. Biden described Mr. Obama and Ms. Michelle Obama as very close to the hearts of the American people.
“Jill and I have long been looking forward to hosting events at the White House to come out of the pandemic, and it is fitting, appropriate, that we do so now by unveiling portraits of two dear friends and two great Americans. Those still held tightly to the hearts of the American people, the images hanging forever in the walls of this sacred place, people’s homes, and the here and now are a reminder to those in power that hope and change matter. Mr Biden said during the ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
The portraits were acquired and commissioned by the White House Historical Association, a tradition the association has carried since 1965.
And for the first time, the official names of the artists have been revealed – Robert McCurdy, who painted the portrait of President Obama, and Sharon Sprung, the artist behind the portrait of Ms. Obama.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Obama said that it is America’s privilege to have Mr. Biden as President.
“You guided us through some dangerous times. You have gone beyond what we all have done together to expand health care, fight climate change, advance social justice and promote economic fairness,” he said among applause.
Mr Obama said his portraits have a special significance, as they will hang in the White House alongside portraits of other presidents and first ladies dating George and Martha.
“So it was important to find the right people to portray them,” he said.
“I want to thank Sharon Sprung for capturing everything I love about Michelle. Her grace, her wit, and the fact that she’s okay. Her portrait is amazing. And I love Robert McCurdy I want to thank you for taking on a more difficult subject and doing a wonderful job with me,” Obama said, praising the painters.
He reminded the guests of the great painting works of Mr. Robert McCurdy.
“Robert is known for his portraits of public figures: Toni Morrison, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali. But what I love about Robert’s work is that he portrays people as they are. They are. For better or worse. He captures every wrinkle in your face, every crease in your shirt,” he said.
In the picture, Mr. Obama, in a black suit with a brown tie, stands prominently in the center of the canvas.
The photorealistic portrait was drawn entirely from photographs that were taken by artist Mr. Robert McCurdy during a short photo session.
First Lady Michelle Obama wears a formal blue dress and is sitting on a sofa in a red living room.
His portrait was also entirely illustrated from photographs that were taken by artist Ms. Sharon Sprung at various locations on the State Floor of the White House.
Ms. Sharon Sprung has taught at both the Art Students League of New York and the National Academy School for the past 30 years.
His paintings and drawings have been exhibited since the late 1970s, including several one-person shows in New York City.
Through her work on the small details of her subjects such as their eyes, nose, or lips, she gets to know her sitter.