By the summer of 2001 Michael McWillie had become quite well known for his surrealistic and whimsical paintings of dogs. Scottish Terriers in particular.

Around that time, Michael became aware that the new First Dog was a Scottish Terrier and sent The President and The First Lady a portfolio of his art explaining that his specialty was painting artwork centered around his favorite muse, the Scottie and that he would love to paint Barney. Apparently Laura Bush fell in love with Michael’s art and Michael received the assignment from the staff of The First Lady to paint Barney, The First Dog. It was to be a gift for The First Lady from her staff on the occasion of Barney’s birthday that was coming up in October.

Michael received the commission on September 10, 2001. The day before the infamous terrorist attack of 9/11.

On the morning of September 11, Michael received an overnight package from The White House containing wonderful photos of Barney to be used for reference for the painting.

Michael was excited and intended to start sketching ideas for the painting that morning and was planning to send sketches to The White House in a week or so for their approval. A terrible event was about to prevent that from happening.

Five minutes after receiving the package from The White House, Michael’s assistant came in and informed him of the terrorist attack of 9/11. The world had changed.

Michael spent that evening, as did most Americans, stunned, watching the events of the tragedy and its aftermath unfold on the national news.

Michael felt it was important not to give in to the desperation of the situation and that the painting should be started immediately.

At about 11pm on the night of September 11, 2001 Michael went into his art studio and began the painting of Barney.

The painting is now hanging in The White House,

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