"Unconquered" is a 24"x48" acrylic on exhibition canvas painted with palette knife in a contemporary impressionist style by Veteran Artist MJ Batek. I painted this scene based on many photographs I have taken of the magical Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island. To me, the incredible, gigantic West Coast Cedar and Fir trees embody the theme of "Unconquered" and "Invictus" as they have survived wind, fire, drought and humankind yet continue to grow and thrive despite adversity. "Unconquered" was exhibited at the Gallery George, 140 West Hastings Street, Vancouver from February 5th to 16th 2025. I painted this piece especially for the Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler February 8th to 16th 2025 where I volunteered to help give back to give this year's wounded/injured/sick veteran athletes from over 20 different nations. My experience on Team Canada in Australia in 2018 was life changing and started me on my art journey.