This was one of my first fully original classical compositions. I attempted to create it as a work of pavement art on the streets of Rome in 1983, but was never able to get a finished shot due to incessant rainstorms. it was a very popular image when I introduced pavement art to the U.S., and I recreated it a couple of times. Once was for the documentary “Chalk Magic”, which launched my art program for the public schools in 1984-5. I often used the image after that for demonstration purposes.

Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic (Western and Eastern Rites), Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox churches. He is immortalized in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon. Saint George is somewhat of an exception among saints and legends, in that he is known and respected by Muslims, as well as venerated by Christians throughout the Middle East, from Egypt to Asia Minor. St. George is also acceptable as a secular figure and I was able to use the image in public schools where other religious images would have been unacceptable.

St. George Pavement Drawing, Rome, Italy

The tonal drawing (above) is available as a limited edition fine art print. Click here for the direct link.