The Guards, 1947

Commissioned for the Office of the President, Louisiana Tech University

This painting honors the legendary lineup of offensive guards from Louisiana Tech’s 1947 football team. Drawn from a black-and-white yearbook photograph, it portrays the university president’s father (far right) alongside teammates who would remain lifelong friends. Each player was a WWII veteran returning to the field that year—making their story one of resilience, camaraderie, and shared legacy.

Reimagining the original photograph, I used muted tones to echo their wartime service, preserving the players’ stances and expressions while transforming the background into a bold field of rhythm, light, and Louisiana Tech University’s signature blue color. Hand-rendered typography, strong color blocks, and a faint overlay of the university’s bulldog mascot from the 1940’s era blend tradition with a contemporary aesthetic.

The result is a tribute grounded in history yet visually alive in the present—a portrait of collective strength, loyalty, and a legacy that continues to shape Louisiana Tech’s story.