In 2021, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery commissioned me to paint a portrait of Temple Grandin for their permanent collection. The portrait goes on display December 12, 2025. It was my second such commission, in 2007 the Smithsonian commissioned me to paint Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
For each major portrait I make an array of drawings and preliminary paintings to work out elements of the large final portrait.
Please email for pricing
Temple Grandin, Final Drawing
2021, David Lenz
Pencil on paper, 21 x 16 inches
Available
This drawing features compositional notes and a small test drawing in the margins. Email with your interest, and I’ll send a photograph of the entire image.
I presented this drawing to the National Portrait Gallery for composition and concept approval.
Temple Grandin Preliminary, Waseda Farms
2021, David Lenz
Oil on board, 9.2 x 11.2 inches
Available
This is my first attempt painting a glory -the atmospheric optical phenomenon- and the principle metaphor in the portrait.
I loved this so much that I knew I had to include a glory in the final portrait.
Temple Grandin, Drawing #2
2021, David Lenz
Pencil on paper, 8.5 x 9.75 inches
Available
After my first trip to meet Temple Grandin I made this drawing. On the second trip I showed this to get her approval of the concept.