SAN ANTONIO – Fans are having emotional reactions to a local artist’s portrayal of the San Antonio Spurs superstar that announced his retirement.

Victor De La Fuente has a passion for art and it’s easy to see that passion in all of his work. However, one subject stands out above the rest. 

"I love painting people," De La Fuente said. "A person has so much to say, and we've always heard that a painting is worth a thousand words. So is a person."

One of his favorite faces stirs emotions. It’s that of San Antonio Spur Manu Ginobili. Spurs superstar Manu Ginobili announced his retirement on Monday, but not before leaving an impression on his fans who witnessed his hard work during 16 seasons that resulted in four championships with the Spurs. 

"That's what a champion does. He finishes at the top and he finished last year at the top," said De La Fuente. 

For the artist, like many others, Manu served as an inspiration. It took De La Fuente a month to finish a large painting of the basketball player. De La Fuente said Manu has demonstrated that hard work pays off. 

"We all have to earn our stripes, and Manu had to earn his stripes to get to the NBA," De La Fuente said.  "We don't see all the background work that it took to get to that level." 

So as Manu enters retirement, this artist wants him to know how appreciated he is by the local community. 

"Thank you so much for your sacrifice for your hard work, your time away from your family. Everything that you did to make us proud," De La Fuente said.