“Sweetness” Walter Payton

Colored pencil and watercolor illustration of Walter Payton hurdling through Chicago Bears jersey stripes over a fallen defender, with 'Sweetness' tribute text and orange-to-navy background

”Sweetness” Walter Payton, colored pencil and watercolor 15in x 20in, (2004). Private Collection

CLICK TO VIEW FULL IMAGE

This powerful illustration honors the legacy of Chicago Bears legend Walter "Sweetness" Payton, capturing Payton hurdling through the Bears' jersey stripes and over a fallen defender in colored pencil and watercolor. Created in 2004 as Fall's first sports illustration after relocating to Sarasota, this piece represents an early experimentation with watercolor backgrounds in his sports artwork. The design is anchored by Payton's famous nickname "Sweetness" and his years of life (1954-1999), creating a moving tribute to one of football's greatest running backs.