The Smithsonianâs National Portrait Gallery announced today that it has commissioned the museumâs official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Artist Kehinde Wileyâbest known for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African Americansâwill create the portrait of President Obama. Amy Sherald, first-prize winner of the Portrait Galleryâs 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, has been chosen to paint Mrs. Obama. The two portraits will be unveiled at the museum in early 2018 and will be added to the Portrait Galleryâs permanent collection.