Monumental...something important, something significant, something lasting, something built to commemorate...My painting, August Rising, is all of those things.  Like several of my works, it tells a story.  This story is about a young man who was phenomenal in many ways...from his physical strength and ability, to his joy of life, and to the lives that he touched.  It is called August Rising because this young man was born in the month of August...he also died in the month of August, three days after his birthday. The colors, although not my favorite, are symbolic to the time of year and to this young man. Monumental, life changing, and significant to me...this painting is to commemorate my August son, Jake.