Barack Obama Portrait

I chose to do this portrait of Barack Obama because it was incredibly interesting to learn how much meaning was behind it. For instance, the blue lilies are to signify Kenya which is where Barack Obama's father was born, the jasmine represents the place where he was born (Hawaii), and chrysanthemums represent Chicago where his political career originated from. I think that him sitting down in his portrait gives off a sense that Barack was the type of man/President that was approachable. Overall, I think this portrait is beautiful and I always think art that has meaning behind it is incredible.

Barack Obama Portrait

This portrait of Barack Obama was created by artist Kekinde Wiley, a well-known African American artist. The painting is able to capture the attention of many. In this painting, Obama is sitting on a chair against a backdrop of green leaves and some colorful flowers. The different flowers in the background are chrysanthemum, the official flower of Chicago, jasmine of Hawaii, where Obama was born, and some African blue lilies, to represent his African hertiage. Each flower is symbolic of Obama’s heritage. I loved how Wiley was able to connect Obama’s personal life to this amazing painting.

Portrait

I prefer the portrait of Barack Obama opposed to his wife Michelle. I think this portrait of him was very well done, and I believe it actually looks like him. I love the vibrancy of the background and the small pops of color from the flowers throughout. They have a special meaning behind them as well, which I thought was really cool. The blue lilies represent Kenya, the jasmines represents his birth state of Hawaii, and the chrysanthemums represent Chicago, which is a special place for Barack and Michelle. Kehinde Wiley did a nice job with this portrait and I know Mr. Obama is pleased with his work too.

Barack Obama

I loved this portrait of President Obama because I feel like it really does him justice. His portrayal is classical and everything about the photo looks sharp, fresh, and clean . The flowers in the background are a beautiful touch that add to the portrait making it much more eye-catching than a regular photo. What makes this even better is the meaning that is behind the flowers in the photo. They are all related to his part with the blue lilies from Kenya, the jasmine representing Hawaii where he was born, and the chrysanthemums representing Chicago where both President Obama and Michelle lived and worked through their successful political careers. I'm very impressed by the work of the artist Kehinde Wiley, he really did justice to represent such an astounding man. 

Barack Obama

To me, the portrait of Barack Obama stands out more than the portrait of Michelle Obama. In my opinion, this portrait contains more detail and features on his face and hands. You can see the small wrinkles within his hands and knuckles, and his face has more detail that really helps to portray his true expression. I believe it looks more like him then the portrait of Michelle Obama to her. I also like how the artist portrayed him simply on a wooden chair in front of the wall of leaves and flowers. The background is simple which helps bring all the focus onto him and his details.

Barack Obama

This portrait was made by Kehinde Wiley, who Obama picked specifically. It is displayed at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. This is not just an ordinary portrait, it has a deeper meaning behind it. The African blue lilies represent where his father was born-Kenya, the Jasmine represents where Barack was born which is in Hawaii, and the chrysanthemums are the official flower of Chicago, where Barack Obama met his wife Michelle and started his political career. Even though, i feel that the portrait does not do Obama justice because he does not look that old, i still think it is a beautiful portrait. It takes real artistry to bring meaning to a simple painting. 

Michelle Obama

This is a portrait of Michelle Obama former first lady. The portrait was done by an by an artist named Amy Sherald. The artist that the Obamas' picked for their portraits were both black artists, and were the first black receipients. The evidence of power is more elusive in Sherald's paintings. It is said that Sherald's paintings make you think about the quieter wants and wishes of the black common man and woman who have emerged on the linen en grisaille-Sherald's grayscale-like ghosts. In the portrait Michelle is wearing an abundant gown designed by, Michelle Smith. Obama herself made it known that she did not come from the sort of family where you sit for portraits.  As a variation of the classical American pioneer, she sought out Sherald to translate what the first meant to her. I do like the portrait I think it is structured nicely. What I don't like is that it doesn't really look like Obama in the face. But I do love how she is sitting and the dress and how big it is. I just think it is a little simple. There could have been more to this for me.