LINCOLN: Aug. 13, 1860, This is the fifty-one-year-old presidential candidate. Here I have created one of my favorite Lincoln images in oil, which captures the essence of his character and spirit. The frame to frame measurement of this piece is 29.5” × 42”, a fitting size for such an impactful portrait. I have skillfully and with great love and care used brush and palette knife techniques to create a rugged and handsome rendition of a young man named Lincoln. I paint Abraham because I feel an undeniable connection drawn to his remarkable character and resilience. Above all other presidents, Lincoln exhibited the most outstanding management style, one that he honed through his own life experiences rather than formal training. He was undoubtedly a genius politician, renowned for his strategic mind. Lincoln brought into his cabinet his enemies, showcasing his belief in collaboration. Through his exceptional level of skill and deep emotional intelligence, he developed working relationships that ultimately proved successful. He worked tirelessly around the clock to run the country while also devising strategies that won the Civil War, a noble endeavor amidst great challenges. During all of this, he had a beloved family to care for, which he cherished deeply. Many ask why I choose to paint our 16th president. I answer simply, “He inspires me to be a better person each day.”