Band of Heroes

Completed in February 2012, this original oil painting, “Band of Heroes” depicts the scouting party for Benedict Arnold’s campaign to attack Quebec on the Kennebec River in Maine on October 12th of 1775. Scene is based on John Joseph Henry’s first-hand account — An Accurate and Interesting Account of the Hardships and Sufferings of that BAND OF HEROES who Traversed the Wilderness in the Campaign Against Quebec in 1775, published in 1812.

“He ran back seizing his own gun, and intimated that a bull moose was swimming across the river towards the camp. We jumped to our arms – it so happened that my station was rearward. The enormous animal was coming toward us, and not more than fifty paces off, his head and horns only above water. The sight was animating. Wheeler and some others fired at his head, but without effect. The extreme desire they had to possess so noble a prey, probably caused a tremor of the hand, or that part of his body was impenetrable to our small balls, which is most likely. The moose turned and swam to the opposite bank. Having got to the verge of the river, his emerging was awaited. My ball struck precisely where it ought to kill. The huge animal rose the bank by several boggling leaps, but seemed unknowing which way to run – We thought he would fall. Wheeler, and some others, getting into the canoes, pursued him by his blood half a mile. When Wheeler returned, he overloaded me with praises for the accuracy of the shot, and was confident the deer was killed.”
— John Joseph Henry

I'm will be offering "Band of Heroes" as a limited edition giclee canvas.
If interested, please contact me at:

Kevin J. McDonald
206 Aster Street
Nazareth, PA 18064

+ (610) 746-9858

email: www.kjmcdonald@verizon.net

Please include "Band of Heroes" in the subject line for emails.

An Essential Skill

I created this 11x14 oil painting "An Essential Skill" in 2010. Most frontier families had large families that all learned to help in many ways. Being able to load and fire a firearm would have been an essential skill living on the frontier.

People might think just the boys in the family shot rifles for hunting and protection. Some families were blessed with only girls, some boys, and some with both girls and boys. If you had only girls, I think they most likely knew how to shoot. If you had boys and girls, and your oldest were girls, I again think they knew how to shoot.

I am honored to have this painting grace the cover of Muzzle Blasts June 2011 issue.

I'm offering "An Essential Skill" as a limited edition giclee canvas. If interested, please contact me at:

Kevin J. McDonald
206 Aster Street
Nazareth, PA 18064

+ (610) 746-9858

email: www.kjmcdonald@verizon.net

Please include "An Essential Skill " in the subject line for emails.

Currently the original painting is also available for sale.

GW's Word

Created in 2011, this oil painting, "GW's Word" was included in an article in the Kentucky Rifle Association's Spring 2011 Bulletin.

The article was about an original Solomon Lumbard powder horn. This Revoltionary War patriot carried this powder horn throughout his service to his country.

Solomon Lumbard's Company's eight-month enlistment was up at a critical time. General George Washington told the company if they willingly stay one month longer, he would then discharge them himself, and give one months pay.

He kept his word and the company was paid and discharged after one month.

Size: 12 x 16 inches - Framed
Media: Oil
Limited edition prints will be available in August 2011.

Kevin J. McDonald
206 Aster Street
Nazareth, PA 18064

+ (610) 746-9858

email: www.kjmcdonald@verizon.net

Please include "GW's Word " in the subject line for emails.

Solo Show




Part of ARMS & CRAFTS
Fine and Folk Art of the Pennsylvania Longrifle

June 14 - September 15, 2009
I had my first solo art show beginning June 14, 2009.It was very exciting to be able to display my artwork on the first floor of the Jacobsburg Historical Society's historic Pennsylvania Longrifle Museum.

Sponsored by:
Jacobsburg Historical Society
402 Henry Road, Nazareth, PA. 18064

American Graffiti

The painting "American Graffiti", pictured above, is an 18.5 X 30 inch oil painting depicting a Lenape warrior in the late 18th century on the frontier of Pennsylvania.

He is sitting on the trunk of an old beech tree with his smoothbore flintlock rifle. The initials RJM and the year 1761 are carved into the tree. These initials could be from a trapper, trader or a settler claiming this piece of land. On the large rock just in front of the warrior are some ancient native American petroglyphs. The title "American Graffiti" illustrates two types of markings, one left from the original Americans, and the other from the new Americans that have come to change the ancient ways.

Detail of American Graffiti

It is fitting that this Lenape warrior has distinguished himself by applying war paint of his own design. He will try to stop the inevitable change to his homeland, people and way of life. By his choice of weapon, he has already accepted some change.

I'm offering "American Graffiti" as a limited edition print. If you are interested in a limited edition print, please contact me at:

Kevin J. McDonald
206 Aster Street
Nazareth, PA 18064

+ (610) 746-9858

email: www.kjmcdonald@verizon.net

Please put "American Graffiti" in the subject line for emails.

Currently the original painting is also available for sale.