The original was painted on a 15"x24" Strathmore cold Press 140lb watercolor paper, and auctioned at the 10th Annual Combat Warrior Live Auction on November 12th, 2022.
A portion of the proceeds will go directly to COMBAT WARRIORS of EAST TEXAS.
"Upon being asked to paint the 10th Anniversary SOF Hunt memorial painting, I began searching for visual inspiration to equal the inspiration and admiration I have for these American heroes as well as the unsung heroes that support this amazing annual event.
Having attended and participated in the event for the past 3 of the ten years since event was created, I have met several amazing Combat Warriors as well as Citizens that have given their hearts to remembering the past sacrifices, the present joy and struggles of living in the now and building encouragement for what is to come in this life and beyond this life. This painting has several symbolic visions of each.
The top of the painting depicts the infiltration of troops descending upon the task at hand to defend our freedoms as well as that of others. One warrior’s infil is shared by every warrior, every family member that warrior represents as well as every victory that is depicted at the bottom of the painting. The capture of territory in distant lands protects our territories of freedom in our hearts, minds, and souls as Americans.
The young hunter pictured with prey in hand grew up in the piney woods of East Texas. During deployment, he would often mediate on his time as a young boy, hunting the plush green pine-filled homeland of his ancestors. Deer season, being one of his fondest memories as he fulfilled his duty to God, country and fellow man. Upon return home, he knew that he wanted to share this God given gift with his fellow warriors, therefore, Combat Warriors of East Texas SOF Hunt was born.
The past ten years has seen many changes … the constant in my mind is what the Ten Point Buck symbolizes in this painting. Often, a buck is painted with a stance of chest straight forward, eyes locked into a fierce stare, arrogance … yet as I composed the painting, I realized this Buck has the wisdom of life in his stance, He understands that there is more to this life and that God has given man dominion over all the beasts of the fields. He looks back in humble remembrance and grace knowing he will go where all have gone ahead of us. Into a place with no more tears, pain, or war... only the peace that comes with understanding the promises God has imparted to us all.
Yet, we do not want to hasten the days that are laid before us, that is the entire meaning of this weekend, to remember and give thanks to all that have made Combat Warriors Of East Texas the event that it is…
A weekend of receiving the gift of dominion God has bestowed upon the noble men and women of this group as we walk the plush under growth of divine nature, to break bread and enjoy drink, and to fellowship with one another in nature. A weekend to celebrate our victories in distant lands as well as within… a weekend in which we honor each other in our hearts and minds."
- Diedra