David Lenz's paintings—whether of African American children in Milwaukee or a Sauk County dairy-farm family—explore the particular circumstances of individuals in their respective environments. His paintings, replete with breathtaking skill and warm humanity, have been described as unflinching in their detail and realism. Working out of his studio in Shorewood, Lenz has built a reputation as a first-rank realist painter whose work is exhibited frequently in museums around Wisconsin. In 2006, Lenz received national attention when he was first-prize winner of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Competition for Sam and the Perfect World, his portrayal of his son who has Down syndrome. The award included a commission to paint a portrait of a prominent American. Recently, Lenz completed his painting of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, which is now part of the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection.
