"A Fresh Breeze"

Signed and Numbered *Limited Edition 16" x 20" Lithograph

"Limited Edition" refers to the fact that there is only a certain amount, or "limited" number of serigraphs printed of a specific piece of artwork. After the edition is printed, all of the original artwork and screens used to make the print are destroyed or effaced. This ensures that no additional prints of this image will be made in the future. This is the opposite of an "Open Edition," where public demand determines the number of pieces included in an edition.

After a visit to Louisiana, Rick completed his painting "A Fresh Breeze" which features the New Orleans Saints in their Super Bowl XLIV victory. The foreground features Saints quarterback Drew Brees, left tackle Jermon Bushrod, left guard Carl Nicks, center Jonathan Goodwin, and running back Pierre Thomas on the game-winning touchdown play of the fourth quarter.

The middle ground features Jeremy Shockey on the receiving end of this play, as well as vignettes of other key moments in the Saints' 2009 season - on the left, Tracy Porter intercepts a pass from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre in the NFC championship game. In the center, safety Roman Harper and linebacker Jonathan Casillas recover a bold onside kick against the Colts in the Super Bowl. On the right, Tracy Porter intercepts a pass from Peyton Manning in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl.

In the background, Saints head coach Sean Payton lifts the championship trophy. Next to him are owner Tom Benson and quarterback Drew Brees. Along the arch of the Louisiana Superdome are legendary Saints players Archie Manning, Danny Abramowicz, Deuce McAllister, and Rickey Jackson. Look closely and you will see that Rick Rush illustrated Danny Abramowicz and Deuce McAllister to interact directly with the championship trophy being held by Coach Payton - this is Rick's way of showing that the former Saints and their dedication to the fans, community, and franchise are also a part of this championship.

Rick chose to present the Superdome symbolically in two halves - the left half features the remarkable damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, while the right half is completely restored. At the very center of the piece, Rick has painted the view of the St. Louis Cathedral from Jackson Square. "These things represent the tradition and the history and the culture of New Orleans," Rick explains, "St. Louis Cathedral is on the Jackson Square and the French Quarter. The Spanish and French settled here. General Andrew Jackson won the Battle of New Orleans here in the war of 1812. This place is the center of New Orleans historically and spiritually."

Rick titled this piece "A FRESH BREEZE" because of the recurrent theme of overcoming adversity.