The artist whose Trump portrait was labeled “the worst” says his harsh comments have seriously endangered her art business.
A portrait of Donald Trump has become a topic of controversy. The painting was displayed in the Colorado State Capitol, but Trump recently criticized it.
He called the artwork “purposefully distorted” and claimed it the worst portrait he had ever seen.
This public criticism has had serious effects on the artist, Sarah A. Boardman.
The artist created Trump’s official portrait in 2019.
Sarah A. Boardman is a British-born artist who created the official portrait of Trump for the Denver State Capitol Gallery of Presidents in 2019.
She has a long history of painting portraits, including those of former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Boardman took pride in her work, which received positive feedback for many years.
President Trump branded his portrait ‘the worst’
The controversy began when Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share his thoughts on the portrait.
He stated that he received complaints from Colorado residents about the painting.
He said, “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves,” and compared Boardman’s work to a portrait of Obama that he called “wonderful.”
In his remarks, Trump claimed the painting was so distorted it was difficult to believe.
“Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,” he wrote.
“She must have lost her talent as she got older.”
These comments were not only harsh but also damaging to the artist’s reputation.
Artist behind Trump portrait claims president’s remarks are seriously damaging her business
Following Trump’s remarks, Boardman expressed her concerns about how these comments affected her business.
“President Trump is entitled to comment freely, as we all are,” Boardman said in a statement, per Sky News.
“But the additional allegations that I ‘purposefully distorted’ the portrait, and that I ‘must have lost my talent as I got older’ are now directly and negatively impacting my business of over 41 years which now is in danger of not recovering.”
Boardman noted that for the six years the portrait hung in the Capitol, it received positive feedback. However, after Trump’s criticism, the situation changed dramatically.
She said, “My intentions, integrity, and abilities have been called into question.”
Authorities removed the portrait following Trump’s criticism
After Trump’s public criticism, officials removed the portrait from the Colorado State Capitol.
This decision came after the governor received pressure from Trump and others who were unhappy with the artwork.
Governor Jared Polis faced criticism for allowing the portrait to hang in the Capitol, as mentioned by Trump.
In response to Trump’s remarks, the governor’s office issued a sarcastic statement.
“Gov. Polis was surprised to learn the President of the United States is an aficionado of our Colorado State Capitol and its artwork,” a spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the President and everyone’s interest in our Capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience.”