In a surprising twist, the artist responsible for the portrait that upset former President Donald Trump has shared her true feelings about the painting, which was recently removed from the Colorado State Capitol following Trump’s heated reaction.
The painting, created by Sarah Boardman in 2019, had been on display until Monday, when it was taken down after Trump voiced his displeasure on social media.
Boardman’s Neutral Approach to the Portrait
Boardman, who was commissioned to paint the portrait as part of the state’s Gallery of Presidents, explained her artistic intentions when the piece was first revealed.
Describing Trump’s expression in the painting as “neutrally thoughtful” and “non-confrontational,” Boardman emphasized that her goal was to keep the portrait neutral and free of any personal bias.
She mentioned that her aim was not to reflect her own views but to create an image that could be appreciated by all viewers, regardless of their political stance.
At the time of the portrait’s unveiling, Boardman told the Colorado Times Recorder that her role as an artist was not to inflame political divides but to produce a work that could stand the test of time.
“Personal views about a subject do not define a piece of art,” she said, stressing that the portrait should be seen as part of the historical Gallery of Presidents, not as a reflection of her personal feelings.
Trump’s Reaction and Removal of the Artwork
Despite Boardman’s neutral stance, Trump expressed his strong disapproval of the portrait.
On Sunday, he posted a lengthy statement on Truth Social, demanding the removal of the artwork from the Colorado State Capitol.
Trump claimed the portrait was “purposefully distorted” and unlike any other depiction he had seen of himself.
“Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves,” he wrote, adding that the portrait was the “worst” he had ever encountered.
In his post, Trump also compared his portrait unfavorably to that of former President Barack Obama, which was also painted by Boardman.
He remarked that Obama’s portrait looked “wonderful,” while his own was poorly done.
Trump even suggested that Boardman had “lost her talent” over the years, claiming the painting was an example of her diminished skills.
The Background of the Portrait
The portrait was first unveiled in 2019, but it only recently became the subject of controversy after Trump’s complaint.
At the time of the unveiling, Boardman posted on her professional Facebook page, celebrating the event as a significant moment in her career.
“Thank you to all the dignitaries, staff, donors, and visitors who attended and made this a wonderful event!” she wrote, urging everyone to remain respectful, emphasizing that the portrait was about art, not politics.
Boardman’s portrayal of Trump was part of her broader work for Colorado’s State Capitol, which includes portraits of multiple U.S. presidents.
She had previously been selected to paint Obama’s official portrait for the Capitol following a competitive process.
Her style combines realism with painterly elements to capture the personality, character, and essence of her subjects.
The Legacy of Sarah Boardman’s Portraits
Boardman’s work goes beyond political figures—she has painted a variety of subjects, including military personnel and judges.
Her dedication to capturing the depth and character of her subjects has earned her recognition and praise in the art world.
According to her website, she believes that the ultimate challenge of portrait painting is to convey the soul of the person in a two-dimensional format.
While the controversy surrounding her Trump portrait may have overshadowed her achievements, Boardman remains a respected figure in the world of portraiture.