Man's Best Friend

"Man's Best Friend"

24" x 18"

Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Private Collection

This commissioned painting is going to be a gift from the client to her husband for Father's Day. He is a civil war buff and she wanted to include the cannon, her husband, and their dog in the painting. The challenge; however, was to compose this piece from separate photographs! She was trusting my judgment, so with no direction, I was nervously hoping I could convey what she had in mind. Since I was basically at liberty to do whatever I pleased, I decided to throw in the "pup" tent and flag for added effect. Then I held my breath and crossed my fingers waiting for her response. 

Thankfully, (huge sigh of relief), she loved it! : )

I decided to title the painting "Man's Best Friend" because as I sat thinking about war and all the reasons humans fight...power, freedom, justice, money etc. the truth is, no one really "wins" when you realize what was "lost" to gain that victory. Where humans can be fueled by emotions such as hatred, revenge and betrayal, a dog on the other hand is all about unconditional love and loyalty. Regardless of our flaws, a dog will stick by it's owner's side with heartfelt devotion until the day they die.  

Below are some interesting quotes from famous people on the topic of war:

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

“All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers... Each one owes infinitely more to the human race than to the particular country in which he was born.” 
― François Fénelon

“It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” 
― Aristotle

“I am afeard there are few die well that die in battle, for how can they charitably dispose of anything when blood is their argument?” 
― William Shakespeare, Henry V

“We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it.” 
― Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The parties with the most gain never show up on the battlefield.” 
― Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” 
― Winston Churchill

“It is the oldest ironies that are still the most satisfying: man, when preparing for bloody war, will orate loudly and most eloquently in the name of peace.” 
― Alan Moore, Watchmen

“In Peace, Sons bury their Fathers. In War, Fathers bury their Sons.” 
― Herodotus

“I love the name of honor, more than I fear death” 
― Julius Caesar

“Once you hear the details of victory, it is hard to distinguish it from a defeat.” 
― Jean-Paul Sartre

“I don't remember Moses writing, 'Thou shalt not kill.. unless you think you have a good reason.” 
― Willie Nelson, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart

“If we don't end war, war will end us.” 
― H.G. Wells

“War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate” 
― Marvin Gaye

Have a beautiful day friends...and don't forget to show your dog some love! : )