The images are powerful: Michelle, a dark and lovely [woman] comes alive. She is powerful and glamorous, soft and striking. Passionate and peaceful. A woman of grace. Intelligent and observing. Barack, making no apologies. King had the dream. Barack is living the dream. TAI YVONNE

This drastically new portraiture complements the kind of president that Obama was. Being the first black president in history, he represents a positive change. Some may even see it as a turning point in American history. And, this portrait captures this wonderfully. But, it does more than that by showing Obama as being troubled by something. Given a president’s job, there could be many things that would be troubling him. And this allows me to empathize with him in a way that it’s difficult to do with most other portraits. With the sharp contrast of light and dark colors and the expressive rendition of the president, this portrait is one of a kind. CARSTEN

‘Here is the first black president … and he’s sitting in the bushes.’

I get the symbolism of the flowers in Barack’s portrait, but the busy prints take attention from the subject. It’s the opposite of what a portrait is supposed to do. BELLE CHRISTIAN

I think the paintings are interesting and I like them as thoughtful pieces in and of themselves. But I think that context is important to consider. Here is the first black president, an excellent human being and dignified leader and he’s sitting in the bushes. I definitely want something that shows his poise, integrity and valor. I think something more stately would be more ennobling. JOSE MORENO

For whatever reason, I was taken aback when I first saw President Obama’s portrait with the floral background. The more I look at it, the more I love it. However, I have to agree with those who say that Michelle’s doesn’t closely resemble her, but does it have to do so. The overall sense of the picture is of peace, elegance and intellect. JENNIE VINSON HLAVACEK

Art definition: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. I love the background of President Obama’s painting because for me it depicts his love of the earth and his love of all living things. JUDITH SALYER

It’s ‘all about the dress.’

The portrait of Michelle appears to be all about the dress. Mrs. Obama, with her caring, strength and true inner beauty, is not there. The picture doesn’t succeed at all with me. DEB HARTOGENSIS GODDEN