PRESIDENT: is a 4.5' X 3.5' memorial observational portrait painted on a custom made industrial wood and metal 5 inch thick canvas, the image was made from various lithographs and angles of Mr. Lincoln. This portrait took 4 years in the making and was a final compilation of stamps, paper and copper glued money, brushed acrylic images and quotes and statements of our President as well as surrounding individuals. The final rendered painting was valued highly by appraisers. This portrait, and it's unique study, were both given to Rev. Philip Martin White as a token of deepest appreciation from my heart for his friendship, prayer and examples throughout the years. The second posted artpiece is a collaged hand painted image collection I made while studying this incredible leaders antics and surprisingly present inexhaustable classic sense of humor in the midst of human insecurity and public turmoil. To me, Abraham Lincoln was an inspiring gifted survivor and compassionate human being. He not only maintained an extraordinary level of integrity and character throughout some of the most difficult times of his life, but he exemplified a soul who is tougher than steel and more resilient than rubber. In preparing these pieces, I have read various biographical and historical written accounts where it stated that he felt; "awkward, unattractive, clumsey, isolated and tired" in various intensified points of his journey, yet he always made a way of progressing forward in motion as well as leadership, dignity and spirit. This second posted composition was painted and sketched in acrylics, airbrush and fine tipped permanent markers to illustrate just that... methodically, as I was undergoing a few small storms myself. It is important to learn to laugh in deephearted loneliness and to always stand for and on solidly pronounced principles... even in the direct face of opposition, scorners, athiests and mockers. In the 1st portrait I placed a tiny photorealistic rendering of his asassin John Wilkes Booth in the white reflection of his left eye... but despite this shocking fact that viewers discover, the overall essence of his visage is still viewed as "Hope and Optimism". I believe this portrait of President Lincoln successfully captured a side of him which I had never seen before. H Rios (213) 435-9611