Friday, June 26, 2015

Military Salute - Rolling Thunder - Run to the Wall


Salute - Rolling Thunder 2015
14 x 11
Oil On Raymar Panel

NFS

I started this "Salute" Series featuring World War II veterans brought to the World War II memorial on Honor Flights.  Honoring World War II veterans is paramount to this series...but honoring all veterans is also important.  

During the 2015 Run to the Wall...Rolling Thunder... I decided to feature veterans participating in the ride.  Rolling Thunder rides across the United States on motorcycles culminating in a parade of motorcycles weaving through Washington DC and ending up at the Vietnam Memorial. It is an amazing sight.  My husband's cousin, Jeff, is a veteran of the US Navy and has participated in the ride for the last two years.  He is the featured veteran in this piece.  




Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Honor Fight Salute. World War II


Honor Flight Salute - World War II
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

Walking around the World War II memorial in Washington DC is always awe inspiring.  The thought of the war and what these courageous men and women endured is more than I can comprehend.  Honor Flights bring in veterans at no expense to the vet.  Volunteers make sure the vets can get around and see the memorial.  The ceremonies celebrating the men and women are so uplifting.  Swing Dancers join the celebration and make it feel like the 1940's again.  There are lots of smiles, lots of dancing, lots of memories.  

This veteran posed for me happily...he is so proud of his service to our country and so proud to be on this honor flight.  When I looked at the picture I noticed the words etched into the stone on the monument behind him:

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude.  American will never forget their sacrifices.            President Harry S. Truman

I thought those words were so poignant...so appropriate...and they say everything I want to say about this series.  

As our nation ages the veterans of World War II will no longer be with us.  I treasure every salute I can get from these fine men and women.  

Monday, June 15, 2015

We Can Do It!

"We Can Do It"
20 x 24
Oil on Canvas

$1500.

Recently I met Stormy Knowles at the National Gallery of art while I was copying 
Beatrice Townsend by John Singer Sargent.  Stormy was chaperoning a group of school kids as they toured the Gallery.  She asked if I would be willing to donate a painting to raise funds for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign.  While I limit the number of donations I offer per year...I decided that this would be a good cause that I am proud to be a part of.  When Stormy and her daughter arrived at my studio to pick up the painting she was wearing her military uniform.  I immediately asked her if she and her daughter would be willing to sit for me as part of my military life series.  I was thrilled when she not only said she would sit...she was enthusiastic about it.  

Stormy recently wrapped up the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign and not only met their goal but exceeded it!  She is a tireless fundraiser. 

I thought this painting was significant...it mimics the "We can do it" military campaign and depicts the determination it takes to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.  Stormy is an amazing person and I am proud to know her.