Nikita Budkov
12x16
Oil on aluminum

On the final day of our fire season, amidst the cleanup of hazardous brush and trees north of the San Fernando Valley, I paused to catch my breath. Before me unfolded a striking scene: a working assembly of fellow firefighters under the command of our supervisor, set against the sweeping drama of the valley laid out below. I felt a swell of pride for these courageous men and women, compelling me to capture this scene in paint.