George Rodrigue, also known as the "Blue Dog Artist", passed away late 2013. He allowed me an opportunity to go to college for a bachelor's degree with the George Rodrigue Foundation Scholarship Art Contest. I made this painting around when I first was accepted into SCAD as a reminder of one of the important people that aided me with pursuing my education. He gave me some great advice when he was alive: "First, learn the rules of art, then break them." I've always had that in the back of my mind to this day. A great guy, and mentor.