Michael Smerconish is a poser. No, really.

In 2010, CNN's Michael Smerconish did double duty at a special event at The Union League of Philadelphia: He posed for noted celebrity portraitist and Studio Incamminati, School for Contemporary Realist Art, Founder Nelson Shanks. Even more interesting, as he sat he interviewed the artist throughout the process. The questions ranged from the direct painting process Shanks extolled to the artist's time spent with luminaries ranging from Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia to Princess Diana. Because he insisted on painting from life (not from photos), the subjects were required to spend time in the studio. Shanks believed that was the only way to capture the essence of the person. The event, a fundraiser for the school, kept the crowd - artists and non-artists alike - entertained and fascinated. Michael has included the experience in his new book, "Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right," a collection of selected columns with new commentary. In a nod to a famous "Seinfeld" episode, Smerconish playfully dubbed the portrait, "The Kramer."

Here is a time lapse of the Alla Prima (in one sitting) portrait: https://youtu.be/_Bho1sNVAok