Patriotic Art
The birth of our nation is miraculous and would not have happened without the dedication and efforts of our founding fathers such as our first president, George Washington. His service began as a general in the Revolutionary War. After several defeats, the demoralized army spent the winter of 1777-1778 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The conditions at Valley Forge where horrendous. The soldiers needed food, shelter, and wages. It was their loyalty to George Washington that kept those who remained with the army going. This painting depicts Washington pleading in prayer in behalf of his troops and their efforts. You can read an account of this story here.
Our nation has had two great presidents. Men who have helped our nation during its greatest needs. These are the honored Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Ken has painted a portrait of these two patriots together with the Preamble to the Constitution as their backdrop.
George Washington won the loyalty of his soldiers by his loyalty to them and devotion to what was right. These same qualities started out our country in the right way as he became our first president. Washington had the popularity to become a king but instead remained dedicated to the principles of free government instituting service and a proper balance to the role of United States president. This portrait of George Washington was composed in reference to a painting by Rembrandt Peale.
Thomas Jefferson certainly got our country off to the right start by writing our Declaration of Independence. He went on to help our country in so many ways. This portrait of Thomas Jefferson was composed in reference a painting by Rembrandt Peale.
