Soldier On, Devil Dog Painting

Portrait of a long time friend and fellow marine. I see him as man with a courageous sense of adventure and unwavering patience and optimism. I asked him to model for this painting when I was invited to submit work to an event for USMC veterans. The original theme of the show was the concept of survival from suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation... Though bureaucracy resulted in a revision of the original theme, my friend Drew and I exchanged stories regardless while I shot his photos for my reference. Though we had known each other for years, we hadn't stayed in touch too well, so I was captivated by his tales. I'd always known we shared a fondness for seeking out thrills, and for constantly being on the go. It was surprising, and endearing too, to learn that we shared some of the same demons as well.