Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla 16" x 20" oil on linen

I think this painting turned out very well. The map behind him on the wall is only suggested and doesn't seem to to draw the eye away from the figure. The man himself looks calm and determined. I was not able to find any realistic paintings depicting Hidalgo in a complimentary way except one that was painted back in the 1800s. Others seemed to indicate he was some kind of fire-breathing avenger-priest with a sword. From what I have read he stepped up to defend the people he loved and because the people were in need of a leader. He was beheaded because of his courage but his campaign inspired others to fight for Mexico's freedom.
I think I need to paint Juarez now, and I will have the BIG FOUR of Mexican history complete.

Miguel Hidalgo commission

This is the underpainting for a new commission of Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla. It is 16" x 20" -oil on linen- and in this painting I have been asked to give the man a look of kindness and strength. This man has been painted many times, but in most cases not very realistically. His eyes will be looking directly at us when I am done- although they don't appear to be doing so now. I am considering painting in the suggestion of an old-time map of Mexico hanging on the wall behind him, as he is known as the father of Mexico.

Two Barn Paintings

Both of these are 12" x 16" oil on canvas. I am going to use them as samples of how I want the students to approach their subjects in my July painting workshop. It seemed as if everyone was more interested in landscape painting than anything else.

Kona - Siberian Husky Commission

This is Kona, who recently passed away, and is now immortalized in an oil painting commissioned by his owner. I usually charge extra for a detailed background but I created this background with the stipulation that it would be slightly abstract and I could just get rid of it if he didn't like it. Never having seen the Rocky Mountains I wasn't sure I could paint them well enough to pass for a Denver resident. Thankfully the client loves this painting.

I am thinking this guy is dressed like Custer

The picture was taken at a Civil War reenactment. 16" x 20" oil on canvas. I am still working on the details.