Sharon Sprung in her Brooklyn Studio / Photo by Aaron Beane
New York painter Sharon Sprung is known for her luminous and life-like portraits. Her subjects are wide-ranging and have included accomplished individuals in business, academia, and government. Sprung is also known for creating evocative portraits of children and women.
Michele Obama by Portraits, Inc. Artist Sharon Sprung
The Portraits, Inc. artist’s latest commission is arguably her most notable to-date. This past Wednesday, September 7th, 2022, the portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama was unveiled. With Sprung present for the much-awaited reveal, the official White House portrait of the former First Lady was unveiled in the East Room alongside former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, and First Lady Jill Biden. This historic moment is one that Sprung could have only once dreamed of. “I feel very privileged to have been commissioned to paint Michelle Obama for the White House. She is a role model and a powerful symbol for the American people," says Sprung about the significance of this moment for her.
When looking back on the stylistic and conceptual approach of Sharon Sprung’s body of work, it is easy to see why she is so fitting to document this particular first lady. Her vibrant paintings often portray influential women, some poised and others able to hold the same grace in repose. She surrounds herself with the colors and emotional vibrance that fill her paintings. Sprung’s Brooklyn studio is draped with colorful, patterned bunches of various fabrics collected internationally. Throughout her time in service, Michelle Obama has continuously emerged as a triumphant and thoughtful leader. She is the one that defines the space she inhabits. This sentiment can be witnessed in past artistic renderings of her, including the National Portrait Gallery’s portrait of her by artist Amy Sherald. Mrs. Obama rests assuredly against a poignant pop of blue She does not sit in contrast, but rather Mrs. Obama holds her position with power.
Sprung’s portrait does not fall far from this narrative. Sprung feels her portrait "reflects the combination of traditional portraiture with the influence of abstraction and contemporary color composition." Mrs. Obama's position of confident repose and simple but stunning dress reflect tradition while still balanced effortlessly with the palpable emotion carried through the contemporary simplicity of the pink backdrop and patterned couch. Sprung has had much inspiration to pull from the many White House portraits that have come before. The first dates back to 1878 with the portrait of First Lady Martha Washington, wife of 1st President of the United States, George Washington. Sprung is one of several Portraits, Inc. Artists who have created White House portraits, including John Howard Sanden and Everett Raymond Kinstler among others. Portraits, Inc. is continually honored to represent artists who are a part of this great tradtion.
To learn more about any of the artists represented by Portraits, Inc., call 1.800.476.1223 or e-mail us.
Portraits, Inc. was founded in 1942 in New York on Park Avenue. Over its 80-year history, Portraits, Inc. has carefully assembled a select group of the world’s foremost portrait artists offering a range of styles and prices. Recognized as the industry leader, Portraits, Inc. provides expert guidance for discerning clients interested in commissioning fine art portraits.