Nude Portrait of Sarah Palin Hangs in Chicago Bar; Still No Nude Photos

Nude Palin Portrait Painter Says Palin is 'Bizarrely Fascinating'

It's not exactly a nude photo of Sarah Palin, like so many prurient and curious men and women searched the internet for just after the Alaska governor was nominated to be Senator John McCain's running mate, but it is a nude portrait of Sarah Palin that hangs in the Old Town Ale House in Chicago. And it is drawing considerable attention, much to the delight of the painter, Bruce Elliott.

Elliott, an admitted Barack Obama supporter, unveiled the four-foot nude painting of Palin on Thursday. Business has been brisk ever since. When asked by the Windy Citizen if he thinks Palin might be offended by the portrait, Elliott said, "I don't see how she could be offended by this. I made her into a sex figure."

Indeed he has. People in Chicago have been streaming in to see Sarah Palin nude. Elliott says Palin's nude portrait has been "very successful."

Elliott, 68, admitted to the Chicago Tribune that he found Palin "bizarrely fascinating."

He is not alone. The media storm around Sarah Palin since she burst on the national scene as the vice presidential candidate has been nothing less than amazing. It is also reflected in the influx of business into the bar, which is owned by Elliott's wife, Tobin Mitchen.

Elliott told the Tribune: "I've been following her religiously. I had never heard of her before, like everyone else. I find her bizarrely fascinating, even though I pretty much despise everything she stands for."

According to the Windy Citizen, Old Town Ale House is known in Chicago for its portraits of bar frequenters and Chicagoans. According to the Chicago Tribune, it is a known hang-out for comedians from the nearby Second City Theatre, which produced comedic greats as John Belushi, Rick Moranis, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey. Elliott's latest addition to the gallery, which holds over 200 pieces, shows the Alaska governor in her "secretary" hairdo and glasses and nothing else. She's holding a rifle and standing on a polar bearskin rug. A frightened moose stands behind her to the right.