St Francis of Assisi has always been a profound inspiration to me. This painting was in my thoughts for years. I finally committed & finished it on June 22nd. St Francis chose a life of  humility, rejecting wealth & status to follow the teachings of Jesus with love & simplicity. He recognised the dignity of every person, especially the poor & marginalised. He loved animals as fellow creatures of God, caring deeply for nature. His message remains timeless: Love first. Pope Francis was the first to take his name. He carried on St Francis’s legacy—advocating for mercy, justice, & the vulnerable. In St Francis’s final years, he was cared for by his companion & secretary, Brother Leo. When our new pope chose the name Leo, I felt a quiet sense of hope. St Francis often greeted others with “Peace & Good” (Pax et Bonum)—a blessing still needed today. The likeness of my St Francis is based on the only authenticated image of St Francis, a fresco in the sacred grotto at Subiaco, Italy.
This is Axel’s first appearance in one of my paintings, of course my Queen, Ra’Ra is there too!!❤️