Past the Blue Skies
March 21, 2008 by Bob Martin
I wondered why someone would want to be a President. The toll that it takes. At first Obama did not look to be old enough to be President but that has changed. Now, though committed to going forward, he looks as if he has discovered the truth about heaven with the knowledge that there is no turning back. I’ve painted Senator Obama with his eyes looking down vs. the upward hopeful gaze he once maintained. I wish him good health. 
This is a fabulous portrait of Obama, Bob. Very well done. Love the rich colour.
Thanks Sally, I am sure that campaigning is a drain on his soul and difficult to remain idealistic.
Wonderful portrait, sad in tone with all that cool blue in the background and the traces of tired violet around his eyes. Lovely painting, a lot of people here in Canada are rooting for him. (Canadian politics are so boring we turn to American politics for interest.)
Hi Bob,
What an insightful entry and painting. I was thinking a very similar thought this past week as Obama was travelling all over Pa trying to get his message through some thick-headed beliefs. I know, I hear the comments all the time. I am very hopeful though that his message will prevail and we will benefit from the leadership of a very great person.
Ambera and Peggi, thanks.
This is such an interesting time. There seems to be so much turmoil going in the world and yet this person sounds like a clear bell in a storm. I usually don’t do paintings of real people but felt and still do that Obama is someone special. Picasso reportedly said “A Picasso only comes around once every hundred years, I just happen to be him”. Maybe this is the Obama.