One of Ted Ellis more famous works is an abstract depiction of Barack Obamas signature hope pose. Ellis painted the portrait in honor of Obamas 2008 Presidential inauguration. In Obama, the 44th President', Ellis uses red, blue, yellow, and green acrylic paint to portray Obama as someone who unites people across lines of color, ethnicity, and religion.
The piece was presented at a January 19, 2009, gala held by the National Black Chamber of Commerce and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. The proceeds from the autographed prints sold at the event supported NNPA Foundation and the Howard University School of Communications Building Fund (NNPA Media Wing).