Imagine if it were possible for 16 of this nation's most distinguished presidents, past and present, to come together in a relaxed setting, roll up their shirtsleeves, and sit down for a few friendly rounds of poker.
Thanks to the creative genius of Andy Thomas, ranked among the country's finest painters of people and events from centuries ago through modern times, it's not difficult to fathom.
What are turning out to be a pair of the artist's most popular paintings ever — "Grand Ol' Gang" and "True Blues" — caught the eye of everybody from Jay Leno to political junkies from both major parties.
The former depicts Abraham Lincoln, his back to the audience, making a wisecrack that has his Republican poker-playing pals — Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush and George W. Bush — laughing hysterically.
Similarly, the latter canvas features Andrew Jackson sharing laughs and good times with Democratic chums Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
"I knew the project would be popular when I began working on it," Mr. Thomas tells Inside the Beltway in a telephone interview from his Carthage, Mo., studio. He says purchasers of canvas editions, giclee on canvas, and paper prints of the two paintings are most taken by the facial expressions of the American leaders.
"Presidents are presidents," he says, "and people almost get emotional about them, like they do with the American flag."
Readers can find both works on display at P&C Art at 212 King Street in Old Town Alexandria.
SAY IT, BILLY
Billy Joel will appear in Washington next month, but not on stage, so to speak.
Rather, we're told the Grammy award-winning musician will be the featured speaker at an Oct. 23 luncheon of National Press Club members and their lucky guests.
BUREAUCRAT RUNWAY
"Fashion. Washington. Together at Last."
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