The Founding Five: A Vision in Graphite
Long before they were icons on our currency, they were the architects of a new world. The Founding Five series by Brian J. Magnuson brings the first five American Presidents into sharp, intimate focus. Through the meticulous application of graphite and subtle colored pencil, Brian J. Magnuson captures the individual resolve and collective vision of the men who transitioned a colony into a country. Explore the portraits of the leaders who stood at the dawn of the Republic.
George Washington
(February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)
General George Washington followed the 14 men who served as Presidents over the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation to become the first Constitutional President of the United States of America. He was elected twice and begun the two term tradition.
President George Washington was instrumental prior, during, and after the Revolutionary War. After returning to Mount Vernon President Washington two years later.
John Adams
(October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826)
John Adams was the first Vice-President of the United States of America and the Second President of the United States.
Prior to the Revolution John Adams was a lawyer and came to the aide of the soldiers who were accused of murder during the Boston Massacre. He was able to get the acquittal for six of the men. He believed that no man should be denied the right to counsel and a fair trial.