Whitewater artist paints George Clooney

WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) — A Whitewater artist says he has to pinch himself after being commissioned to paint a portrait of actor George Clooney.

Some scenes from Clooney’s new movie “The Ides of March” were filmed at the University of Michigan. Clooney saw some portraits there painted by Ben McCready and wanted them to hang in the background.

So while getting permission from McCready to use the images, university staff and Clooney’s staff also arranged for McCready to paint Clooney as a surprise. McCready and his family presented it to him in March on the set.

McCready tells WMTV-TV that Clooney was friendly and genuine. He says Clooney loved the portrait and told McCready he made him look young.

McCready’s son also ended up being an extra in the film.