Steve Atwater “Smiling Assassin”

Colored pencil illustration of Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater standing menacingly in classic Broncos uniform against Colorado mountain backdrop

Smiling Assassin, colored pencil and watercolor 16in x 20in, (2015). Artist Private Collection

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Studio shot of the completed 'Smiling Assassin' illustration on the drawing table, surrounded by the colored pencils used to create Steve Atwater's iconic portrait.
Artist Alvin Fall in his studio, displaying the completed Steve Atwater illustration in a classic black frame.

This 16" x 20" colored pencil and watercolor illustration, created in early 2015, features Denver Broncos legendary safety Steve Atwater, known as "The Smiling Assassin." Executed on watercolor board, the piece incorporates Colorado's iconic mountain landscape, inspired by the state's license plate design, with a subtle Broncos logo integrated into the snow-covered peaks. Standing menacingly in his iconic mid-90s orange crush uniform, the Hall of Fame safety's imposing presence reflects the dominance that made him one of the most feared defenders in NFL history.