by Todd Spaur

The Obama's

Description:

I did this portrait from a photograph taken by a campaign worker in 2007 when Barak Obama was a candidate for president. The campaign worker was doing his job going door to door. While we were talking he noticed the artwork hanging on my walls. He asked if I was an artist and if I would draw a portrait of Mr. Obama. He mentioned that Mr. Obama was scheduled to speak in the neighboring town of Knoxville Iowa in December. I said I could have it done by then if he could get me a photograph to work from. Luckily he was smart enough to get a photograph that was crisp and clear and free of any copyright issues. This was what the original photo looked like. The first drawing I did was of Mr. Obama alone and I had to add some details to the lower part of the drawing. I drew him alone on a 30" tall by 20" wide illustration board. The campaign worker came and picked up the artwork and said he would do his best to make sure Mr. Obama would see my artwork. Since I decided to support Mr. Obama, being from a town of 500 people I was made Precinct Captain. So on December 30th 2007 I was asked to sit on the stage behind Mr. Obama to show support while he gave his speech. Sitting and waiting as the crowd gathered, I noticed the campaign worker motioning for me to come with him. I followed him back stage to a door. He knocked on the door and Mr. Obama opened it up and said come on in. I was somewhat in shock that he was so casual as he looked at the artwork and said "You must be a supporter, you made my ears look smaller." He laughed and asked "What would you like to do with the drawing. I said "I was hoping you could hang it in the white house". This was three days before the Iowa caucus and was also my birthday, A week later the worker brought back the portrait signed with a note from Mr. Obama. I then did this drawing with Michelle Obama as it was in the original photograph. The rest is history. I would really love to get the first lady to sign this original. please look at the signed portrait of Mr. Obama.

The original work is currently for sale. At the present time, originals are not offered for sale through the Fine Art America secure checkout system. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about purchasing this original by clicking on the picture links below.

To See Todd's Other Work In The Barack Obama Blog Please Click <> HERE <>






About Todd:

lives in small rural town of Bussey Iowa. graduated Twin Cedars High School in 1980. Graduated with an AA Degree from Des Moines Area Comm. College in 1983. Has Worked in the sign business as a designer and sign painter for most of his carreer. Became disabled from a car accident in 1994. Has worked as a freelance artis since Mainly doing portraits of people from photographs. Main highlights of carreer were the portrait of President Obama, autographed original. Also was featured on the Today Show 'American Story, Payback Painter' with Bob Dotson.

This was on July 4th 2012, the story focused on a mural painted on a building in his hometown of Bussey, as a thank you to the town for helping him and his family after a horrible car accident. Todd can still be located in Bussey Iowa and does artwork from his home.

Bussey, IA - United States