Barack Obama Painting

I am not a political painter and in this context I do not see Barack Obama as a politician. This is the recognition of his inspiration to both Americans but also to the majority of the rest of the world in the first part of his first presidency. His visions and speeches incurred hope for many people. A famous quote from him tells that change is not done by spectators "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." I have chosen to paint certain known people which have become icons within e.g. music, sport, movies, politics etc. They are or have been an inspiration for many people not only within their specific domain, but also their life story and how they reached their goals. I try in my paintings to bring them alive by making them expressive and give them character. I do not necessarily share all their views or tastes - but this is a recognition and admiration of the impact they have or have had on the time, the people and the world. Teenagers often have posters of their favorite musicians, actors etc. paintings are a more legitimate way for adults to include their icons in their daily life.