Local Republicans Host Conservative Artist During RNC

Accepting an invitation from Alafia Republican Club member Kelly Clem-Rickon, Jon McNaughton, the controversial conservative artist featured on Fox New's Sean Hannity Show, is paying a visit to the area during the Republican National Convention.

McNaughton is on hand during the RNC in Tampa to meet with residents and to sell prints of his artwork featuring patriotic and religious themes, said Clem-Rickon.

Clem-Rickon said she became intrigued with the artist after hearing an interview with McNaughton on the Sean Hannity Show.

She said she was even more impressed after viewing the artist's work on his website.

"His paintings are amazing," said Clem-Rickon. Moreover, in a field dominated by liberals, McNaughton provides a refreshingly conservative perspective in his works, she said.

She promptly contacted McNaughton and invited him to stay at her Lithia home during the RNC.

Among the paintings available for purchase is a piece called "The Forgotten Man." It depicts all of the past presidents of the United States gathered in front of the White House. In the left hand corner of the painting sits a man appearing distraught and hopeless as he contemplates his future. Some of the past presidents try to console him while looking in the direction of the modern presidents as if to say, "What have you done?" The modern presidents appear to be congratulating one another. Beneath the foot of Barack Obama is a crumpled U.S. Constitution.

"It's a very disturbing image but his work is beautifully done," said Clem-Rickon.

A resident of Utah, McNaughton attended Brigham Young University on a full tuition art scholarship. He said his paintings are done in the style of the Old Masters with a focus on highly detailed religious and patriotic subjects. 

His giclee prints range in price from $59 for a 16- by 24-inch print to $25 for a 10- by 15-inch print. Framed prints also are available for purchase.

For more information about the artist, visit his website.

To purchase a print from Clem-Rickon, email her at kellyd0505@yahoo.com.