Barack and Michelle Obama portraits unveiled

Former President Barack Obama, left, speaks at the unveiling ceremony for the Obamas' official portraits at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Photo / AP

The National Portrait Gallery has unveiled portraits of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, both painted by African-American artists who were personally chosen by the Obamas.

The portraits were unveiled to the public on Monday (US time) at the gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian group of museums. The gallery has a complete collection of presidential portraits.

Former first lady Michelle Obama and Artist Amy Sherald, right, unveil Michelle Obama's official portrait. Photo / AP

A second and different set of portraits of the former first couple will eventually hang in the White House.

Barack Obama's portrait was painted by Kehinde Wiley — an artist best known for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African-Americans.

For Michelle Obama's portrait, the gallery commissioned Baltimore-based artist Amy Sherald, first-prize winner of the Portrait Gallery's 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition.

The portraits will be officially installed and available for public viewing starting on February 13.

Obama stands in front of his official portrait by Artist Kehinde Wiley. Photo / AP

Obama looks at former first lady Michelle Obama's official portrait. Photo / AP

- AP