Every once in a while you feel like you’ve done something to actually help. We, my wife and I, donate to many charities and non-profits in hopes that what we contribute will make a small difference. I’ve been part of the Nathan Chapman Fund for the past three years. Nathan Chapman was the first American soldier killed by enemy fire in the War on Terror. I donate art for their annual auction and they invite me to hob-knob and play golf. My artwork has raised thousands of dollars over the years, but this year was pretty special. The two University of Texas limited edition autographed prints (Roosevelt Leaks and Cat Osterman) and two A & M football limited edition autographed prints I donated sold for a total of $7,000.00. My head is not so big as to think that it was ONLY my art that caused the bids to go to that high, but it does make me VERY PROUD to know that I gave folks something to bid on. I wasn’t able to attend the auction and dinner because of a tight deadline on a commissioned piece, but as soon as I arrived to play golf the next day several people came up to tell me how frenzied the bidding was. I just want to say thanks to those involved with this event and that I am honored to help raise money for the families of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On a related note, I was commissioned to do a memorial painting of Kile West, another fallen solider, a couple of years ago. It was one of the most poignant experiences I had creating a painting. It was paramount that I portrayed him properly, in a way that honored his sacrifice and respected the memories of his family. I ended up portraying him in a wheat field with ghosted moments of his life in the field. I think everyone involved was pleased with my efforts. Here is a picture of the painting.

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