Sarah Boardman is an artist who painted a portrait of Donald Trump that he criticized as being “bad” and “purposefully distorted.” Trump expressed his preference to have no picture at all rather than the one Boardman painted. Boardman is a British-born artist living in Colorado Springs with her husband. She studied under an Alt Meister in Germany in 1985, learning the techniques of Old Master Painters known for their focus on classical traditions, realism, and detail. She won a national “Call for Artists” competition to paint Barack Obama’s portrait for Colorado’s State Capitol. Boardman believes in capturing the personality, character, and soul of her subjects in her paintings.
In 2019, Boardman unveiled her portrait of Donald Trump, which she described as thoughtful, non-confrontational, and neutral. She has also painted portraits of other presidents, a District Court Judge, and members of the U.S. Military. When asked about her personal feelings towards Trump, Boardman stated that she focuses on capturing the likeness and essence of the subject, leaving personal opinions outside the studio. She believes that all presidents are entitled to have their portraits displayed in the Rotunda, as it is the “Gallery of Presidents.” Despite potential opposition, Boardman respects the tradition of including presidential portraits in the gallery.
Colorado’s Democratic Governor Jared Polis’ office expressed surprise at Trump’s criticism of the portrait, stating that the State Capitol features portraits of former presidents and governors. Polis appreciates the interest in the capitol building and is open to opportunities to improve visitor experiences. Trump took to Truth Social to criticize the portrait further, claiming that it was purposefully distorted to a level he had never seen before. It remains to be seen whether Polis’ office will remove the portrait as per Trump’s request.
The controversy surrounding Boardman’s portrait of Trump highlights the intersection of art and politics. Boardman’s training and dedication to capturing the essence of her subjects are evident in her work. Despite Trump’s critique, her portrayal of him has sparked discussions about the role of presidential portraits in historical contexts. Boardman’s response to questions about her personal feelings towards Trump emphasizes her professionalism and commitment to her craft. The differing opinions on the portrait reflect broader debates about the representation of political figures in art and the importance of preserving historical traditions.
