A Lawrence artist’s giant portrait of a late Arab leader is drawing worldwide attention.

Stan Herd last week made public his two-acre portrait of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai and vice president of the United Arab Emirates. The work – scratched out of stubble, plowed earth and other materials – can be seen from the air southeast of Lawrence.

In recent days, the piece has been the subject of stories in media across Europe and the Middle East. Last week’s Journal-World story has been linked on Web sites from the U.A.E. and other countries. “It’s been pretty interesting,” Herd said.

He said the recent outcry over a Dubai company’s plans to operate American ports had fueled attention to his work.

“I think the idea kind of catches people’s attention,” he said of efforts to challenge stereotypes.