Detailing a thirty-six by twenty-two painting of a group of Delaware Indians was labor intensive. I had rough-sketched this painting a couple of years ago as a potential painting. A couple of friends, upon seeing the sketch, encouraged me to do the art. I still delayed. I was wondering if I should paint the piece.
Last year I began the painting. I wasn’t doing the art for anybody so I didn’t paint with any degree of speed. I did some other art during this same time period. Add hunting seasons, and holidays and that six months of painting became reality.
The Delaware Indians (Lenni-Lenape) entered the French & Indian War in 1755. They raged terroristic warfare on the eastern Pennsylvania frontier, and beyond. Their tactics were so horrendous that many people headed towards Philadelphia with nothing but the clothes on the back.
A person captured realized several options. If the captured person faltered along the trail, or caused any issues, death would be immediate. Another option could be adoption into the tribe to replace lost family members. A captured individual may be ransomed or sold to the French. The worse scenario for a captured person would be death to the stake.
However, many prisoners once adopted would become satisfied with their way of life. Many continued to stay with the natives even after treaty signings allowing for their release.
This acrylic painting depicts the uncertainty of what will happen next to the prisoner.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
What an incredible painting! I love the detail and that the feelings of the various people can be felt. Will this end up in a library or museum?
Margaret, Thank you so much for your kind words. I do not know what I will do with the painting at this time. I do not have a name for the art as of now either. Thanks again!
Fantastic painting Larry! I would love to watch you working on something like this.
Kirby
Thank you Kirby. I think my next painting may be of a bear!