MONTGOMERY, Ala. — President Donald Trump surprised Montgomery artist Craig Carlson this week with a letter thanking him for his “remarkable” painting. According to Carlson, the president enjoyed it so much that he wants to have it hung in the White House residence.
“I usually support every President. I want our country to prosper. I want it to do well,” Carlson told the Alabama News Network. “So I thought hey, I do so many portraits and I’m good at them. That’s all I know how to do. I don’t sing or dance. So I thought why not go for the top? So I did a portrait and it didn’t take too long, it went really quickly, just a head and shoulders, 20 x 24 inch.”
Carlson got the painting to the president through fellow Alabamian and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R). In a letter back to Carlson, Sessions told him that he would send the gift to the president directly. About a month later, Carlson got a call from the White House staff thanking him for the portrait. The president eventually responded personally with a letter describing Carlson’s work as an “extraordinary gift” and a “remarkable piece of artwork.”
Needless to say, Carlson is honored by the compliments from the president. “To get one from someone on top, makes you think ‘hey, maybe I am pretty good!'” he said.
President Trump has taken a liking to all things Alabama during his term. On top of the painting, Trump has filled his White House with several Alabamians in high-profile positions. During a recent meeting with America’s governors at the White House, Donald Trump said of Alabama, “I love it. It’s a great place.”
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