America’s Presidents

America’s Presidents is a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.  This display is the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, and it includes all 43 past presidents of the United States.

I had the opportunity to visit this gallery last month, and I really enjoyed the America’s Presidents exhibit.

Artistically speaking, which presidential portrait is your favorite?  (Please, no political comments!)  J

My favorite portrait is of President Bush.  I think the artist really captured his personality.  The painting was so realistic, that one could almost believe President Bush was in the room!

The accompanying narrative to President Nixon’s portrait stated that Norman Rockwell purposely painted the President in a flattering manner.  I found that tidbit amusing!

President Clinton’s portrait is quite creative and unusual.  Isn’t it amazing how squares of abstract art can create such a recognizable portrait?  Even though that style is not my personal preference, kudos to the artist!

The Red Barn

It was fun getting out of the house yesterday and enjoying a beautiful day with a friend, doing what we love the most…shooting!  But when the Polish Fest turned into a photographic big bust, we turned to Plan B:  the Red Barn in Northville.

 The essence of pleasure is spontaneity.  ~Germaine Greer

My Sketch App

Our photo club met at Linda’s house a couple of weeks ago.  Whoever hosts the meeting selects our next assignment, and she gave us a fun topic with a slight hitch. 

The assignment?  Black/White Street Photography!  The hitch?  We must shoot in black/white; no postproduction conversion is allowed.

So there we were, cameras in hand, fiddling with the dials and buttons, searching for our monochrome setting.  Across from me sat Jayme, intently studying her camera.  I stole a picture, then asked her to smile for me, which Jayme…being a good sport…did.

I thought it would be fun to make a sketch out of Jayme’s portrait…and it was!

Looking Up

Looking up at the ceiling of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.  More to follow of this interesting museum in the upcoming weeks!