The Etch-A-Sketch President: Artist uses toy to draw famous faces

By Sara Nelson

The face of newly sworn-in American President Barack Obama is a familiar sight on posters, T-shirts and badges – and it has now appeared on an Etch A Sketch too.

The portrait was created by artist George Vlosich, using the retro toy which originates from the late 1950s.

The likeness took 80 hours to draw with two dials on a plastic frame – all using one unbroken black line.

Artistic endeavours: The portrait of Barack Obama took 80 hours to produce

Twisting the knobs moves a stylus that removes aluminum powder from the back of the screen, leaving a black line.

Vlosich, from Ohio, created the image especially for an art gallery show to celebrate the first black President's inauguration.

He has also produced Etch A Sketch portraits of Will Smith, Tiger Woods, Muhammed Ali and The Beatles.

The 30-year-old, who has been using the toy since the age of ten, said: 'Each is an original work of art that takes 70-80 hours to create.

'Once finished, the piece is then preserved to stand the test of time by removing the powder from the Etch A Sketch.

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