Today is beautiful, and I'm preparing for a productive day. While in the shop I'm printing some reference photos and getting mentally prepared for what the day may hold. Yesterday I attempted to portray a tank in the Gulf War tribute and was dissatisfied with the composition. I have revamped my vision to portraying members of the 877Th National Guard to be in the foreground with c-130's fling behind them. I have completed the planes and the burning oil wells Saturday. Yesterday I added shadow to Our flag and started the outlining or the World Trade center.
I want to take a moment and thank the Veterans that have shared stories of their service with me. I have always heard that a picture has a thousand words.....I feel this one has so many more.
Thank you to Ottis for sharing his thoughts on the time line. All the wars shown are ones for LIBERTY. Not of ones over land. Battles for Freedom. We all need to be reminded of how fortunate we are to live in these United States. -----Together we stand!
More photos are coming soon.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
8-17-2009
This morning I was able to get the Pearl harbor Tribute roughed in. This was inspired from a photo that was recovered from a Brownie camera after the attack. It was found in a foot locker. The shot depicts smoke and flames billowing from a refueling ship. I would like to add a battleship. I also plan to darken the water a bit. The brick below reads " December 7, 1941" May we never forget! 
The flag was raised last week and color added. I'm very pleased with the change. The flag now is tucked and protected by the Eagles right wing.
Completed Vietnam Tribute- I struggled with the boots. I was unable to locate a photo for reference, so I found my self visualizing what a leather boot would look like. I pictured soldiers marching in mud and brush. I took in account how sweat would break and discolor the leather. How soldiers laced and pulled tight for support was also running Through my mind. And one more consideration on the boots was....keeping the details so that it is aesthetically pleasing from 10' away. 
I really love this shot. The yellow flowers in the foreground are beautiful. God Bless our Troops!
The flag was raised last week and color added. I'm very pleased with the change. The flag now is tucked and protected by the Eagles right wing. 
Completed Vietnam Tribute- I struggled with the boots. I was unable to locate a photo for reference, so I found my self visualizing what a leather boot would look like. I pictured soldiers marching in mud and brush. I took in account how sweat would break and discolor the leather. How soldiers laced and pulled tight for support was also running Through my mind. And one more consideration on the boots was....keeping the details so that it is aesthetically pleasing from 10' away. 
I really love this shot. The yellow flowers in the foreground are beautiful. God Bless our Troops!Sunday, August 16, 2009
I apologize for the lapse of time between entries. I have completed the Vietnam Tribute and have been busy researching photos for inspiration on the upcoming Tributes. I have found this to be extremely frustrating and emotional. The following link is one that described some of the reasons why I'm experiencing problems. Military Censorship of Photographs. In this essay he discusses the Gulf War being difficult to cover. http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/military.html 
This is a progression shot of the Vietnam Tribute. I have since finished and now tring to find the photo of the finished Tribute.
Close up of the soldier with the machine gun. The brick wall had a hole on his face and I did my best to have it fall in line with his eye.
After looking at the blog a realized I did not show the photos of the WW1 Tribute completed.
This is a progression shot of the Vietnam Tribute. I have since finished and now tring to find the photo of the finished Tribute. 
Close up of the soldier with the machine gun. The brick wall had a hole on his face and I did my best to have it fall in line with his eye.
After looking at the blog a realized I did not show the photos of the WW1 Tribute completed. 
Sunday, August 9, 2009
8-9-09 Update on progress
Getting smarter at my old age....I set up a tent to get out of the sun. I guess I was testing my endurance. I can work longer and more comfortable now. It also keeps the brick from heating up. 
While studying the Korean War I was able to refresh my earlier history lessons. The united States joined our Allies with the united Nations to protect Korean Citizens from North Korean Communism. The monument in Washington portrays 19 soldiers. Their reflections are in granite before them that total 38. This symbolizes the 38 parallel. The border being fought for. In learning this, I desired to include some sort of symbolism with in the tribute. Not sure on how I continues with my sketch of the three men wearing the rain ponchos. I studied my lay out and discovered the first soldier lies under the third feather and there is a crack in the wall under the eighth feather. The 38 parallel was provided by God. I would also like to note that the journalist that where held in North Korea where released on the day I completed the tribute. They were arrested of trespassing on the 38 parallel. .jpg)
Tribute to WW1- Trench warfare was used during this period. It was also the first time for Mustard and poisonous gases. Using grey and sepia tones , heavy shading shows folds and movement in their uniforms.
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