Surrender (St. Francis of Assisi Surrendering the Material World) 2003 Acrylic on Canvas 30" X 40" SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1181 - 1226) This latest commissioned work marks the ninth installment to The Saint Series. It is also the second St. Francis of Assisi work to date. I originally had no intention of portraying Saint Francis a second time and it was a challenge to equal or surpass the very notable Stigmata. When I first began this project, I understood that it was going to be one of my most accomplished works. Yet, I can not take all of the glory. Had it not been for the patience and cooperation of the model and benefactor, this work would not exist. This painting impacted us all as we individually underwent our own personal "surrender" throughout the year it took to complete the painting. Towards the end I began to take "mini vactions" from it just to splash about and paint something without such demanding restrictions, (i.e.The Onion Room and Breathing in the Special Feature section). It was either that or go completely mad. I suspect it shall be a while before I will be creating the next installment to the series as I only do these on a commission type basis. The Saint Series is a very special project that will undoubtedly follow me throughout my career.