3D or bust for presidential portrait

BARACK Obama has turned his back on thousands of years of artistic tradition, and opted for a 3D scanner to take his likeness for a portrait.

This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows the first presidential portrait created from 3-D scan data. A team at the Smithsonian Institution has created the first 3D presidential portraits to depict President Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama. Both were shown for the first time Wednesday at the first ever White House Maker Faire with a gathering of inventors and students. (AP Photo/Smithsonian Institution)

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has turned his back on thousands of years of artistic tradition, and opted for a 3D scanner to take his likeness for a portrait.

A team at the Smithsonian Institution has scanned Mr Obama's head to create the first 3D portrait of a sitting president.

Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Mr Obama, which will be his first presidential depictions in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Both were shown at a gathering of inventors, entrepreneurs and students at the White House.

The Smithsonian says its team scanned Mr Obama earlier this year using two distinct 3D processes. Experts from the University of Southern California used their “light stage” face scanner to document the president's face from ear to ear.

The Smithsonian has three other life masks of presidents — one of George Washington and two of Abraham Lincoln. Those were created through plaster casting.

AP