he artist wishes to acknowledge the generous help of many during the two years of work on these paintings.

The artist's wife, Elizabeth Sanden, was tireless in her help and counsel.

Harold and Annette Simmons and Gerald and Kelli Ford (all of Dallas) kindly recommended the artist to President and Mrs. Bush.

Neil W. Horstman, President of the White House Historical Association, and Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of the Association, were generous with encouragement and support.

William G. Allman, Curator of the White House, allowed the Sandens to do research and background photography in that famous and revered house, and graciously assisted.

Ashley Hickey, Special Assistant to President Bush, attended to a multitude of details and provided constant liason. David Sherzer, the President's Director of Communications, smoothed the contact between the project and the press. Caroline Hickey, Ashley's sister, was always friendly and helpful. When the project was about halfway to completion, Ashley transferred to New York. Her duties were assumed by Logan Dryden, who was also a great help to the artist, particularly when the frame on the President's portrait was damaged enroute to Dallas from New York.

Mrs. Bush's staff was endlessly helpful with details and communication — Anita McBride, Charity Wallace, Katie Harper, Molly Soper, and Anne MacDonald — all made the artist's job easier and protected him when he stumbled.

Jodie Steck of the Bush Presidential Center provided valuable photographic research.

David Mandel of the House of Heydenryk in New York made the beautiful hand-carved frame for the President's portrait. Mark Karnett and Laurie Luczak of APF Master Framemakers, also in New York, made the exquisite frame for Mrs. Bush's portrait. Craig Snodgrass of Vineyard Frame Design in Dallas provided valuable counsel.

Cynthia Daniel carefully crafted this website, with her customary skill and flair.

Robert Alexander Anderson, master artist (and longtime friend of the President and the First Lady), provided gracious and sensitive critiques and advice.

The artist and his wife wish to thank President and Mrs. Bush for, first, imparting their trust, second, giving generously of their time, and, third, being endlessly patient. Being granted the freedom of the Bush home for the sittings was a great gift, as was the honor of allowing the artist and his wife to share the Presidential pew at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas - a never-to-be-forgotten experience.