Caran D'Ache Luminance, Polychomos and Black Prismacolor pencils, Canson Colorline Paper, 57cm x 46cm, YSBrand Photography with permission, 138 hours.
HERO (noun) A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
This cowboy is a hero. He's not a Sheriff. He isn't a policeman. He's a civilian. A respected man who has a social conscience. He is alert, and aware of people and their motivations and intentions. He watches with great interest as life around him unfolds. He can see when there is an injustice, and then, and only then, he acts to protect, to right the wrong, to serve justice to those whose moral compass has failed them, those who didn't have one to begin with. He's one of us, but he possesses the courage and insight to stand up for peace. He steps in when we are losing the fight against evil.
His face is approachable, attractive, friendly, and yet, there's a sense of great authority and purpose in his stance and his stare. And no matter what actions he may take and pain he inflicts in the course of his social duty, we always sympathise with him, and never the perpetrator. He's on our side. He's a good guy.
The good guys ALWAYS win.
kxx