Marshall Touchton is an American painter known for his realist style and his work focusing on historical, military, and political subjects. His career is defined by major commissions, particularly portraits of high-ranking military officers and government figures for institutions such as the Pentagon. His works are held in prestigious permanent collections, including the U.S. Air Force Art Collection, the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, and the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Among his best-known early works is the portrait of Richard Nixon's dog, "Checkers," which helped launch his national career. For his contribution to the art of portraiture, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Gold Medal from the American Society of Portrait Artists, which has solidified his reputation as one of the leading artists of contemporary American realism.