So about the portraits... They were unexpected. Much in the way that Barack Hussein Obama's presidency was unexpected. They are distinctive. They are well-crafted. They capture specific aspects of the essences of their subjects. But. They. Are. Different. I knew that Kehinde Wiley was NOT going to deliver a standard Oval Office tribute. Obama knew that too. That's why he picked him. Obama's likeness is stupendous. His setting is disconcerting. But that's fine. There are other beautiful paintings of my President. This is the one that will greet visitors to the Portrait Gallery throughout history. I'm a graphic design person, so Michelle Obama's likeness is growing on me. So clean, so stark. The graphic elements are stunning, the heart composed of hard lines and implied space is beautiful. She looks beautiful. Knowing that the skin tone choice is intentional helps. Again the Obamas chose their artists PURPOSEFULLY. I think one thing I responded to unfavo...