The unveiling of the portrait of President Wheelwright painted by art professor Jeffrey Merrill surprised the President and faculty members at the Ho'omaika'i dinner and dance, an event appreciating employees.Art history professor Caryn Houghton said, “I think it was an exciting moment for everyone who was present at the banquet. When I saw Jeff Merrill walk up to the stage to uncover the veiled canvas, I knew it would be amazing. And I was not disappointed. Merrill is truly a gifted painter. The painting conveys as sense of accomplishment, wisdom, and experience necessary for a man in his position.”The 24 by 32 inch oil painting depicted President Wheelwright in his academic regalia from Stanford University, where he received his PH. D in 1970. President Wheelwright said he was reluctant initially, but “when Jeffrey Merrill joined our faculty, it was clear that he had the skill to do such a portrait. I'm grateful for Brother Merrill and am pleased that his excellent work will be displayed on our campus for years to come.”Merrill said he took the photographs and head study of Wheelwright over a year ago. Wheelwright said he had forgotten about the painting until it was revealed at the dinner. Merrill said Wheelwright told him, “You made me look younger. My wife is going to love this.”Wheelwright said, “My wife and five children all thought it looked very ‘presidential.’ I liked the fact that it's an excellent likeness, is complimentary, and is very professional in its painting style and how it is framed.”Merrill said he had to paint the head three times, spending 30 hours to complete the portrait. “To capture the likeness of a person, the biggest likeness of a person is in the mouth, especially the corners of the mouth. If you mess that up, it gets really funky. That really captures the character of someone’s face. Most people think it’s the eyes. The eyes are important, but even more even more important to capture the essence of the person is the mouth.”When first coming to BYUH, Merrill noticed that while every other president had a painting, Wheelwright had a photograph. “I first thought he was waiting for a portrait to get done, and I inquired about it, and he didn’t want a painting. As professors, we do university service as part of our job, like sitting on a committee that serves the university in some capacity, so I thought I’d rather spend my service time doing a portrait for President Wheelwright...It’s his first one and my first one. It was a first for everybody.”Houghton said her favorite aspect of the portrait is definitely the color palette. “Jeff's use of browns, reds, and gold tones creates a sense of stability, strength and warmth.”Merrill said, “I tried to find a picture that presented him in a calm, pleasing way. You want a portrait to feel respectful and calm.”Houghton said, “Portraiture has been used in art history as a way to capture, in one image, the accomplishments and status of the person portrayed. In a world of digital images, Merrill's oil painting is truly a unique way to honor President Wheelwright.” The paintings of all the presidents are currently in storage, but pictures of them are currently located in the reception area of the administration building on the second floor.Uploaded April 2, 2015
Writer: Mackenzie McLeod
