President Obama Inspires Artist's Career

April 14, 2009 - PRLog -- Before Liz Kemp painted an oil portrait of Barack Obama, she lived a quiet life in Fort Mill, SC, with her husband and their 6 kids. She hadn't picked up a brush in almost 5 years.  "I was asked to paint a portrait of a child who represented the world hunger crisis.   I did the painting and I was pretty proud of my work.”

It was during the election, that Liz saw so many examples of art representing Barack Obama.  "Some of the art was a little strange. What was remarkable to me was how much these pieces were being sold for.  My husband, Michael, suggested that I paint his (Obama's) portrait because; he thought I could do a much better job. And with all the hype and media attention, maybe I would be able to sell some prints."  

"We thought that people who loved Obama would want to have a portrait of him in their home.  "Not something abstract, even though, there is certainly a market for all kinds of art.  I know people like their art to challenge their minds and evoke emotion etc. But an accurate oil rendition of his familiar face would be a change of pace that a lot of people could relate to."  

The painting is entitled "The Blue Collar President", which represents Obama's overall concern for the average man or woman, who is trying to make every dollar they can, usually with an hourly wage.  So many middle and lower income people really look at Barack Obama as the man who truly cares about them.  This painting is looked at as a double tribute, one to President Obama and one to everyday, regular Americans.  http://www.inspiringartwork.net

"When people see it, they just stare.  It's the details that get them. They'll say something like, 'I didn't know he had a mole', or 'look at his smokers' lips.'  I love to hear the comments and see the reactions of people".  The joy in their eyes reflect what they think about President Obama.  They express a refreshing view that is filled with hope of a changing America that all Americans can finally be a part of."

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Liz has been fascinated by art since she was a child.  At the age of 16 she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, as a Fine Arts Major.  It was her love of Art History that inspired her technique of realism, which honors the Post Renaissance Masters and their timeless work of art.  She started taking commissioned work over twenty years ago. But stopped all work to raise her family.  

Liz recently accepted an assignment that started her art career all over again.  Her painting of Barack Obama is the catalyst that launched future a working relationship the new African American Cultural Center in Charlotte, NC.  Liz is currently working towards a nomination for the prestigious David C. Driskell prize, awarded by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA.

"I had a career in Sales and Marketing after I left New York, but after my 4th child, I stayed home and homeschooled for 8 years.   Having 6 children is definitely a full time job.  I love them and they love their Mommy.  When I started painting again, the kids were so supportive and of course everybody was a critic.  My husband was my biggest  supporter; he allowed me to have the time I needed to paint and kept everyone under control."  

"Whether you appreciate the work or not, President Obama is a great representative of America on so many levels.  He is a person that my mother and father, both Jamaican immigrants, would have been able to relate to."

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Liz Kemp is a Fine Artists who's paintings are inspired by the realism technique of the Post Renaissance Masters. Her portrait paintings are oil on canvas. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, for Fine Arts.