Weapon of choice

Pastel on Hahnemühle velour

18" x 24"

February 2011


This image shows two sinister young men in an urban landscape with their "designer" Pit Bull terrier. This breed is illegal in Britain but cross breeds, with or without American Pit Bull ancestry, are commonly found all over. These dogs are frequently used as a weapon of choice in drug turf wars, so they are a frequent fashion accessory for young men wanting to promote a hard image. Pit Bulls are victims of much casual cruelty and make up more than fifty per cent of dogs arriving at animal shelters. Most of them then have to be destroyed, because of the aggression they have been taught to show.

This painting is influenced by Peter Howson who frequently paints disturbing urban scenes. He always includes threatening and disturbing-looking men.