Everything But The Weed

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Linda Maze, a Wedding photography Gainesville FL in Gainesville Florida

Americans and tourists love seeing the monuments in Washington. Art lovers can view all 43 portraits of the presidents, giving them a comparative glimpse of the past. Some of the oil paintings are on display at the White House, at the choice of the sitting president, while the others can be seen at the National Gallery of Art.

A renowned portrait artist of his day, Gilbert Stuart, began painting George Washington in 1797. When the White House was torched in 1812, Dolly Madison, the first lady, saved the painting. The $1 adorns the incomplete painting of the other Stuart painting of the first president.

There are fascinating stories of Presidential Portraits all throughout history. Theodore Roosevelt loathed his first portrait, so a second painter, John Singer Sargent, was hired to create something more to Teddy’s liking. Sargent followed Roosevelt all around the house to get him in the perfect light. Roosevelt grew impatient with the painter, and the two exchanged heated words on the staircase leading up to the second floor. Sargent caught a picture just as Roosevelt was gripping the banister.

One of the most interesting paintings in the presidential series was Wilson’s. The Irish painter eventually caught up with President Wilson as he faced the world stage at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 following World War I. The painting was never finished. The canvas’s bottom was never finished, showing the appeal of the work in progress.

In the 20th century, photography was developed. There were no presidential oil paintings commissioned until the president left his office. Therefore, Aaron Shikler painted John F. Kennedy in 1970. This is most likely known as the most touching picture in the entire presidential collection. It shows Kennedy standing and looking downward, arms crossed, pensive and brooding. The work looks like a reflection of the legacy left by him.

Simmie Knox was the first black painter to paint a presidential portrait. Clinton is relaxed in this picture with his hand in his pocket. This is also the first portrait of a president to include the American flag.

George W. Bush asked his friend and Yale classmate, Robert A. Anderson, to paint a casual portrait for his Presidential Portrait. The president sat. Wearing a light blue Western-style shirt, is smiling hopefully, perhaps asking the American people to think more favorably of his tumultuous time in office. Bush was eager to release the painting. The picture was on display at the National Portrait gallery on December 19, 2008.

Author bio: Timothy Davis contributes to the private wealth management and lifestyle design sites.