It seems that many people's perception of the significance of any given portrait is solely based on the subject, not on the artist.

After all, even the National Portrait Gallery has stated that they include works in their collection based just on the importance of the person depicted, not based at all on the importance of the artist who might have painted it. Harrrumph!

Knok, knok,
Knoks your door is your destiny!

Sean, you're so funny and supportive. :)

Clinton's acknowledgment
 

I did think that Bill Clinton's acknowledgment of and words about Simmie Knox were very welcome. I also liked very much that Mr. Clinton not only mentioned that the White House portrait of Teddy Roosevelt was his favorite, he gave credit to John Singer Sargent. -- John C.

I've been very disappointed with the news coverage also. I looked all over for a quality photo of both and really found nothing more than angled quick views with a lot of reflection. Of course I got to read and hear how kind Bush was over and over.

I'm glad that Clinton was moved enough to acknowledge Simmie Knox, and that Hillary decided to have him paint hers also. All morning CNN refered to Simmie as "Simmie Kox"! I kept on yelling at the tv with the correct pronunciation.

Cynthia, I hope Simmie can get images to you so they can be posted here. I'd like to see the paintings and offer my congratulations, what I did see of them looked wonderful.

Simmering in Wisconsin,
Jean

Simmie will be sending me better images, but for right now, this is all I have. Simmie wrote me "The last several days have been overwhelming and even surreal with all the attention I have been getting. "

He is such a wonderful gentleman and well deserves this honor. I've long felt Simmie's talents have not gotten the credit due and I've been pulling for him for years.

I am sure Simmie won't recover from the media blitz for some time, but whenever he does have a few minutes it would be great if he might be able to explain the significance of the various objects in the paintings. For example, is the book in Hillary's painting her "It Takes a Village"? Is the chair of some special significance, and I also wonder what the objects are behind Bill that look like medals of some sort.

I've asked Simmie to give some details when he gets time.