Whispers

Whispers

36 x 24

Oil on Canvas

Recently I hosted a "model  party"!  It was such fun.  I invited 5 women over to participate.  I was a bit nervous having not done this before and not really knowing the models well.  Some I had just met, two I had never met and two I knew but had only brief encounters with.  I just had a feeling they would all get along and had a feeling that they were up for some fun. 

I welcomed each of the ladies and had prepared some light snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for them to socialize and enjoy while the photo shoot took place.  I thought a relaxed atmosphere would lend itself to helping everyone get acquainted and relax.   I am fortunate to have traveled to Japan to visit my dear friend Carrie Roets Waller...accompanied by my travel buddy Debra Kierce...while there I was able to pick up some fabulous kimonos so I had a kimono for everyone.  They tried out different colors...I photographed them in two's three's and four's and the grand finale of all 5 in their luxurious fabrics.  It was such a fun experiment for me and, I think, for them too as I got many offers to return for another photoshoot! 

This painting is of sisters...they are both young with fabulous, thick, curly hair.  Every thing I suggested they were enthusiastic about.  They were so natural and the connection between them is undeniable. 

I do paint from photographs, obviously, but I paint from life as often as I can.  When using the photos I often refer to life for particular body part.  I will check out my hands in a mirror to see joints and  shadows.  If I need to see someone holding hands or a position I cannot see while I am painting I ask neighbors or friends to come over and let me see how a certain angle looks in "real life".  Studying anatomy has also been a great resource.  If a photo is fuzzy or out of focus I know what a body part usually looks like so I can put together things that are missing or hard to see.  Most of my work is a conglomeration of photos, life and what is in my mind. 

Cover

Cover

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Continuing my hat series...This is my brown bowler.  It is one of my favorite hats and one of the first hats I bought.  It is symbolic that the hat is either being put on or taken off.  My hat is the last thing I put on before I go out and usually the first thing I take off.  I wear one primarily to protect my eyes from the sun.  I had cataract surgery many years ago and have done all I can to protect my eyes ever since then.  I have lots of hats and always wear sunglasses when outside. 

I called this one "Cover" as a nod...or tip of the hat...to my military ties.  A hat in the military is called a cover. 

We Can Do It!

We Can Do It

16 x 20

Oil on Canvas

This is a continuation of my "Rosie the Riveter" series.  These amazing women took over when the men were called to serve overseas.  They held jobs traditionally held by men...not glamorous...but they saw and need and rose to the occasion.   

The war touched everyone's lives in many ways.  My Grandfather, Uncles, Aunt and my Dad were all active duty service members during World War II.  My grandmother wore this blue star pin. 

It has one star for every family member she had in harms way.  While the men, and some women were fighting overseas my aunt Adrienne worked as a mechanic...along with scores of other women picking up unglamorous jobs that had to be done.  Everyone did their part for the war effort.  I do find it amusing that my Aunt Adrienne could fix and engine but never got her drivers license!

I feel it is important to remember how much these women did during the war, they sacrificed, worked hard, and kept our county running...doing their part to help win the war. 
 

PCS...Permanant Change of Station

 

PCS=Permanent Change of Station

24 x 30

Oil on Canvas

Permanent Change of Station or PCS is what happens to military families every 2, 3 or 4 years.  It is a way of life. 

This is another of my Military Spouse Series.  I began this piece so long ago I can't even remember but I always thought it needed something else.  It has been critiqued by more people than any other piece I have even painted.  It has been reworked time and time again.  I tackled it again this week and decided it is done.  It is depicting a mood.  It is a place I have been many, many times as have millions of other military spouses.  It is moving day.  It doesn't matter if the moving is to or from the current location...the feeling is the same.  It is a feeling of being overwhelmed.  It seems like unsurmountable obstacles in the path to move forward...but it all gets done...it will be fine. 

Top Hat

Top Hat

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Why, yes, I do have a leather top hat!  My obsession with hats started after cataract surgery.  I had to protect my eyes from the glare of the sun...so I started wearing hats.  I started with baseball caps and moved on to bowlers, fedoras and now the sky is the limit!  I just love this leather top hat.  I found the green tinted glasses at an antique fair.  I am always looking for interesting props to add to my collection.  I love having model dress up for painting sessions and photo shoots.  This painting is the first of a series of self portrait featuring my hats!

China Doll

China Doll

Oil on Linen

24 x 36

$2400

Recently I was fortunate to be able to travel to Japan to visit Carrie Roets Waller a dear friend that does magnificent water color paintings rich in colors that reflect her impressions of her travels.  My traveling buddy Debra Kierce joined me on this venture and we enjoyed all the art, sighseeing and shopping we could fit into our short visit.  Debra is also an amazing arrists who specializes in painting miniature works...some as small as or smaller than a business card. 

During my time in Japan I purchased as many kimonos and obis along with other interesting props and costumes as I could afford!  I mailed home boxes of treasures.  It was just like Christmas to get home and open all the great finds. 

This kimono, worn by my great niece Ellen, was one of the many Kimonos I purchased...along with the precious little doll she is holding.  She is a marvelous model and I look forward to painting her again. 

Anticipation - Military Spouse Series

Anticipation

36 x 24

Oil on Canvas

$3000

Anticipation - Waiting for the birth of her child.  This is part of my military spouse series...this woman is a military spouse.  She is lucky her husband was with her for the birth of their child.  I know many military spouses who have had to have their children while their spouse was deployed.  It is a hard time..but the military family is strong and we stick together.  Help is always available.  

When my oldest son was born we were living in Germany.  I was two weeks from my due date and my husband was called out on maneuvers.  Since it was an exercise and not the real thing there was some leeway and my husband was allowed to come in and check on me.  He came in just in time! He rushed me to the hospital and a couple of hours later...literally a couple of hours...I had very quick labor and deliveries... I gave birth to our son! Of course as soon as I had given birth he left to rejoin his unit.  Since we were in Germany I didn't have any immediate family nearly and only immediate family was allowed to visit.  I heard the Battalion Commander's wife at the nurses station saying she wanted to visit. When they told her only family could enter the ward she replied "of course I am family!"  and she walked past the desk to see me.  

I have know much kindness in my life.  My goal is to pay back.  

Arlington - Military Spouse Series

Arlington - Military Spouse Series

36 x 30

Oil on Linen Canvas

$3000

I am continuing my Military Spouse with an emotional painting titled "Arlington."  Arlington is the Cemetery that lays to rest those who served in the military.  It is located in Washington DC.

The subject of this piece is the wife of a classmate of my husband, graduating from West Point in 1974.  We attended the funeral...the first Arlington funeral I attended.  The solemn, traditional ceremony was beautiful, meaningful and very moving.  

Since then I have laid holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members, specifically classmates of my husband.  Meeting the families is always a highlight of a solemn occasion.  They are from all over the country and have amazing stories of lives lived to the fullest.  Some stayed in the military after graduation, some followed other paths, but West Point shaped their lives in many ways and they have a camaraderie that cannot be denied.   

Of course the most moving burial was that of my father.  I am proud to say he is buried in Arlington.  His ceremony was beautiful.  The staff at Arlington is caring and professional.  I cannot imagine having a job that requires such compassion constantly.  I am forever grateful.  

The Letter - Military Spouse Series

The Letter

36 x 36

Oil on Canvas

$3000

My last post showed a portion of this painting...here is the entire piece.  Her name is Maria...here is a bit of her story:

In 1992, Maria married her college sweetheart LT Greg Bowie.  However, it was more than 10 years later before they resided in one place –together and permanently. During early marriage, LT Bowie was assigned to the USS Nimitz and in 1994-5 the ship served as the test platform for a “new thing” called e-mail.  Writing brief messages, just a couple lines long, families and friends were able to communicate for the first time with a surface ship at sea in a matter of hours, instead of days, weeks or months. Despite the huge leap in technology and convenience, they continue today to add to their families’ history of handwritten letters and cards, like the generation before. They live with their son, Gunnar, in Arlington, Virginia where black ink and crisp stationery are in good supply. 

When Maria first told me she was able to email her husband...among the first to do so...I just assumed that she wrote a newsy, lengthy note telling him of her daily happenings.  I didn't realize that it would be just a couple of lines.  It makes me feel so fortunate to be able to communicate at length whenever I want.  

I still like handwritten notes and do write especially thank you notes.  I don't write as often as I would like...but whenever I get a personal note I feel special and make a new resolve to write more often.  

Military Spouse Series - Work in Progress

This is a peek at a portion of a Work in Progress of one of my Military Spouses.  This piece measures 36 x 36 in total.  

Her story is that she is one of the first military spouses to be able to send an email to her husband serving on the USS Nimitz.  Prior to email communication with our spouse while he/she was out to sea was nearly impossible.  Snail mail was sporadic and telegraph messages were used only in emergency situations.  The use of email was a giant leap forward in communication.  

When I paint these pieces I think of my life and the struggles communicating with my husband while he was on maneuvers or deployed.  It was always a challenge.  I am so glad it is easier for families today...still a challenge to be separated...but nice to be able to communication.  

I will be posting the completed piece soon I hope!  

Selfie

Selfie

12 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

I am in my new studio now and have been working very hard getting it set up the way I want...getting things put in places that give me a smooth work process.  The first thing I painted was a small "Charlie Chaplin" piece.  I also have 4 large Military Spouse paintings in the works at various stages of development.  When I want to take a break and paint something that is no pressure, pure fun, I paint a selfie.  Sometime I use photos, sometimes I paint from life...this was a combination.  I had a picture that I really liked but needed to check my features in a mirror to get more detail. Especially my nose...I do have a bulbous nose!  hahaha!

 I purchased a full length mirror for my studio so I can check out features whenever I want.  It helps with figurative work also. Sometimes a photo reference can be blurry or I just want to change something about a composition so I use the mirror for reference.  

So now that I have finished my "fun" selfie...back to work! 

Rosie Remembers

Rosie Remembers

24 x 20

Oil on Canvas

It is no secret that I love anything military related and Rosie the Riveter is no exception.  Recently a bus load of Rosie the Riveters descended upon the World War II memorial to celebrate their contribution to the war effort.  The trip was courtesy of the Wonderful Honor Flight organization who frequently flies in World War II vets...I am so glad they honored these ladies.  They were all clad in festive red and white polkadot accessories.  Most of them were wheeled about in wheelchairs and you could see the exuberance on their faces.  If I called out "Thank you Rosie" I was met with smiles and the iconic "gun show"  that is Rosie showing off her muscles.  It was a wonderful sight.  

I took my Rosie opportunity to take many source photos and try to get as many stories as I could.  The ladies were all so lovely.  

So here is my Rosie...remembering her glory days...when she helped win the war!  Thank you Rosie...

Portrait Society of America Conference - Reflections of my experience.

 Some pictures from the Portrait Society of America's Conference...and my impressions...

Rose Frantzen's discussing her piece "Locket"

Dinner with artist friends

Max Ginsburg sketching class/demo

Carol Arnold during my sketching/demo breakout session

Watching Rose Franzen paint this piece was absolutely amazing.  She throws color on the canvas with what seems like reckless abandon and in the end this wonderful likeness emerges.  I am in awe of her talent. 

Reflections of my conference experience...

I have been gathering my thoughts since attending the Portrait Society of America's Conference here in Reston, VA.  I am overwhelmed by the amazing artists I met, the amazing artists I reconnected with and the ones I was able to learn from.  The weekend starts on a Thursday night with an amazing group of artists...15 in all...painting 5 models...three artists to a model.  They are arranged in a large circle and spectators walk around and around admiring the process of creating portraits in 15 different styles.  Some begin with a blank canvas and start swishing brushes wildly while others begin with quiet, definitive strokes building from the inside out.  It is awe-inspiring to watch.  After a couple of hours we are presented 15 fabulous portraits.  While circling and watching...artists are connecting, chatting, and meeting other artists.  They are discussing techniques, color palettes, and artistic energy.  It is an amazing event. 

From there the Conference is a blur of painting demonstrations, portfolio critiques, workshops, exhibits and sales of art materials, conversations with friends/artists, lunches, and presentations by prominent artists such a Michael Shane Neal, Everett Raymond Kinstler, James Gurney and Daniel Greene to name just a few.  I found myself attending my breakout session...running to grab some lunch, running to get some books signed...running to get my portfolio critiqued...running back so I don't miss the next event.  I was constantly on the go...in between...or as I ran I bumped into people I know, Facebook friends, and managed to get into the Exhibition and Sales area to purchase some much needed (hahaha) art supplies. 

Other highlights included meeting and actually getting to talk to Rose Frantzen and having her sign her book, "Portrait of Maquoketa", having Anna Rose Bain sign my copy of her book "The Wait and the Reward", meeting Jennifer Balkan and getting to discuss her artwork,  meeting Tina Garrett and talking to her about everything, a lovely discussion with Ted Reed and other dinner guests... I know I am leaving some names out but the list is so long...it is overwhelming to remember it all!  I was able to have my portfolio critiqued three times by Julian Hess, Elizabeth Zanzinger and Brenda Hash.  Three different perspectives that will certainly help my future efforts.  

If you ever thought about attending but were hesitant because you were't sure if you would connect with anyone, let me put your mind at ease.  It is a given that you will find artists to talk to, to share ideas with, to learn from BUT even if you don't talk to anyone...you will be busy running from place to place to take advantage of all that is offered.  It is a blur of activity from start to finish.  

In closing I have to mention words spoken to me by Daniel Greene..."Study...just Study"  I plan on putting those words in my new studio as soon as I move in.  They will serve to motivate me as well as remind me of a wonderful critique and a more wonderful dinner with artist friends.  

Mom - Mad Hatter

Mom - Mad Hatter

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

I come by my love of hats honestly.  My mom always loved hats and had some of the most fabulously outrageous ones...I loved them all.  She often wore tall hats as she is only 5 feet tall and my dad was 6 feet 3 inches.  I wish she had kept them...but alas a military lifestyle is not conducive to holding onto things that were not necessities.  

I collect hats. Love to wear them and I use them extensively as props for my models when I paint and I just love looking at them.  I am always looking for something unusual...but a top hat with a blusher veil will always wins me over.  

This portrait is one of the ones that I thought was finished a couple of days ago.  Then after letting it sit and re-evaluating I decided to re-work some if it...which led to re-working all of it a few more times.  The last thing I did was the reflection of the shirt on the neck, cheek and chin.  Then I had to call it done.  

Brownie

Brownie

8 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

$500

Last weekend I went to the National Mall and visited the World War II memorial.  There was a group of "Rosie the Riveters" being brought in as part of the Honor Flight program.  To greet these wonderful women who worked in the factories during World War II, there were young women dressed up in "Rosie the Riveters" outfits and other vintage costumes.  One woman bought a vintage brownie and cub scout uniform uniform and dressed up her little ones to join in the fun.  I was so taken with nostalgia and the adorableness of the kids that I just had to, with permission, take a couple of quick pictures.  As I am having a hard time focusing during our preparation for our move to North Carolina...this fun little painting was a welcome respite from my larger, more detailed pieces.  

scribble people - inspired by Andrew Wyeth

Scribble People

9 x 12

sketch paper

I have been doing a lot of sketching and I really love it.  I have been dismayed, though, that my sketches never look as good as others I have seen.  I refer to my work as scribbling instead of sketching.  I never felt worthy of the term sketching.  I started reading "Wyeth at Kuerners" written by Betsy James Wyeth.  It is a book of Andrew Wyeth's sketches...As I looked at the beautiful art work by Andrew Wyeth I took notice of his sketches.  They were incomplete...messy...and absolutely brilliant.  He sketched the same thing multiple times, the same figure, the same composition with slight variations...always refining, repositioning.  Of course his finished paintings are beyond description they are so marvelous.  

When I started this sketch I decided to never let my pencil leave the paper.  It worked for the most part...I did have a pause or two but for the most part it is one long scribble line.  As I sketched I thought about who these people are and how I could relate to them.  Down the line I started with a woman in a tall hat with a cross body bag, followed with the profile of a youngster...another woman with a large hat and a feathered plume...a hard hat/helmet adorns the head of another depicting my military heritage...a chef's hat reminds me of my families love for cooking...a love that I do not share...but I appreciate that others enjoy the creativity of their culinary efforts.  The end of the line is a figure in a baseball cap leaning on a bat...my love of sports is represented...love for playing much more than watching.  

So, while my sketches are messy, I know they serve a purpose and I will continue.  

As an aside...I highly recommend "Wyeth at Kuerners" book to anyone who is interested in composition and studying the genius of a realistic, abstract artist.  

selfie - graphite on sketch paper

This is graphite on a 9 x 12 piece of sketch book paper.  And by graphite I mean a #2 pencil.  I started sketching with #2 pencils because they are so readily available and I usually have one in my purse.  I sketch selfies quite often because I want to practice...I want to practice facial features and gestures...and I am the only one available...so I sketch myself.   I try to sketch my husband in the evenings when we are relaxing and watching TV...but sometimes he moves too much.  I am working on sketching when my model moves and can get a reasonable likeness...sometimes I keep two or three sketches going hoping he will settle back into a previous position.  It is a challenge...a challenge I enjoy.

The Colonel

The Colonel

16 x 20

Oil on Ramar Panel

NFS

I love painting my husband.  He is pretty cooperative...modeling is not his favorite thing to do...but I can talk him into it from time to time.  I love to paint him because his face is so interesting.  He has these wonderful deep set eyes that are a chameleon like gray/green/blue depending upon his surroundings.  They are the kind of eyes that look translucent.  His brow is furrowed and has a slight scar above his lip on his left side.  I know his face so well.  

Often when we are out in restaurants or just sitting in a park I will say to him "stay just as you are" and he knows by now to just sit icily still while I whip out my phone and take pictures.  The I may direct him to put his coffee cup down or turn one direction or another.  He knows that the atmosphere is perfect and I am trying to capture the light!  Then I do studies when I get home...until I can get him to sit for me again!  

Sketching my way through my life...

I have alway wanted to sketch my way through my life...but never took the initiative...

I always see these fabulous sketch journals posted by fabulous artists and I have always wanted to do one.  I knew mine would not be fabulous but I decided to begin one and see how I do.  I started with pictures I had taken in Japan while on my fabulous adventure with Carrie Roets Waller and Debra Keirce.  I sorted the pictures and began sketching in pencil...using a fabulous accordion sketchbook I purchased in Japan.  Once the basic sketch was done I used a ink marker to darken the lines.  I then decided I would put a watercolor wash on some of the pictures.  I wasn't as happy with the watercolor wash as I had imagined so stopped it.  I tried my watercolor pencils and they seemed to work better.  It is probably because it is not watercolor paper...or maybe just operator error!  hahaha!  

Anyway...a quick message to Carrie to let me know the names of places I had forgotten and I had my sketch journal! 

I may add some more sketches...I have a couple of pages left.  But I am semi-pleased with my first attempt.  

My plan is to sketch my way through Venice...on my next adventure!  

Grandkids

Grandkids

30 x 30

Oil on Linen

NFS

I wanted a painting for my mantle when we move into our new home and I wanted it to be of my grandchildren.  Since I only get to see them a couple of times a year I had to rely on a photo reference.  This is one of them sitting on the couch relaxing.  I am sure Riley...the younger grandson, wanted the TV turned on which is why he is holding the remote control.  Jayden is content to suck his thumb and snuggle with his well-loved blanket.  the quilt on the side of the couch represents one of the quilts I made that my son and his wife now enjoy.  I loved that Jayden had striped pajamas on...how fun to paint!  

I have worked on this piece of and on for months and it is one of those pieces that I could work on forever.  I can always find ways to improve it...but I finally had to let it go and call it finished.  I am sure I will paint another for my mantle...and another...and another...

Ground Control to Major Sam

Ground Control to Major Sam

12 x 24

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1000.

A few months ago I was fortunate to be able to travel to Japan to visit a dear friend and fabulous artist Carrie Roets Waller.  Carrie was kind enough to show me and my traveling buddy, Debra Keirce who is also a fabulous artist, around Japan...finding the ins and outs...sales...sights...and navigating the public transportation system.  It was a wonderful trip.  As an added bonus we enjoyed the company of Carrie's most hospitable family.  While we were there her youngest son, Sam, got a costume in the mail.  I took a gazillion pictures of Japan so, of course, my camera was handy.  I asked Sam if he would pose for me and he stood proudly showing his new space suit.  Then he took off his helmet and held it under his arm and said that this is the way the astronauts do it.  Needless to say I was thrilled with my model and could not resist painting this piece.  The recent death of David Bowie reminded me of his song which, if course is the basis for the title. 

Maria Bennett Hock - Self portrait

Maria February 2016

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

When I am between projects I usually paint a self portrait.  I do it because I am the model that is most available to me any time I need one, it is good practice, and it gives me time to think about my next project.  As I am just finishing a large double portrait that has been very time consuming and am getting ready to start another series I decided a self portrait was in order.  So today I set about trying to find my likeness once again.  When I post my self portraits, as I often do on FB (though I don't post all of them ) I am met with specific criticisms.  I am often told I don't look like what I portray.   Of course a good critique is always welcome.  :)  My only response is that I paint what I see...what I feel and what my abilities allow me to paint.  I am doing the best I can.  With that said...here is my latest self portrait.  

Brotherly Love

Brotherly Love

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is painting of My son, Jason, currently serving in the United States Air Force and his two sons.  Jayden is the older brother and Riley the younger.  It was such a precious moment captured in a split second on film.  I have painted these three numerous times and I am sure they will be the subject of many paintings to come.  

What I really loved about this composition is the differences in the body types and gestures.  The adult in the background is leaning forward and holding up the youngest child while the older brother leans forward to give a quick kiss on the forehead.  

I am so very sad

The Saddest News

NFS

A year ago today I posted on Facebook "I am so very sad".  I remember it vividly.  I had just received the phone call that my father had passed away.  I remember walking around my living room not knowing what to do with myself.  I was so sad, I was alone...I felt gutted.  I didn't know what to do.  I sat on a chair and cried...still not knowing how to handle this flood of unwanted emotion.  I thought I must look pitiful sitting here crying...curiosity got the best of me.  I took out my phone and took some "selfies".  My goal in my artistic journey is to portray emotion and I was compelled to chronicle my own emotion.  As the year anniversary of that fateful day approached I knew I would paint this picture.  I knew it would be a sketch that I didn't spend much time on...but I knew I would paint it.  

My Father was everything I want to be.  He never followed the crowd...he always followed his own convictions.  He was funny...loved to joke around and love to sing.  He knew more oddball, offbeat songs than you could ever imagine.  He was always singing.  He was always in a good mood.  He was accepting.  

One of the best things my Daddy ever said to me was " look it up".  Whenever I asked a question he made sure I found the answer, figured out the solution, used my brain.  Of course when I was a child I hated it when he didn't just tell me the answer...but today I realize that I am a problem solver because of his insistence that I "look it up".  

I could fill volumes with stories about how wonderful my Daddy was.  I love him so much.  Today I am melancholy...I am reminiscing...I am sad....but I am so very happy to have had my Daddy for as long as I did.  

this is the pencil sketch I did before I painted my sad portrait.  

Hair Hair!

Michael Bennett Hock

 16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

My oldest son, Michael, has the most fabulous hair!  It is thick and curly...just fabulous.  I love painting hair and love it when he lets it grow so it gets really curly.  I am constantly asking...no begging... anyone in my family to sit for me.  Every once in a while I wear them down!  Being snowed in I have been able to get my husband to sit...though he does fall asleep.  I guess hiring a professional model would be ideal...but not always financially viable. Suffice it to say I have been having a great time, experimenting, painting and planning with no pressure or expectations.  My favorite way to paint.  

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter 

20 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

A while ago I was fortunate to attend a fabulous photo shoot featuring women dressed in period outfits from World War II.  The women posed on steam engines, in railroad yards depicting railroad/engineering work that was typical of the day.  The shoot was in Pennsylvania.  It was a wonderful opportunity to not only take some great action shots, but also to learn more about the history of these great women who held down the fort and contributed to our fight for freedom.  The shoot was arranged by Lerro productions.  It was very well done with plenty of opportunity for close ups, figurative, and action shots.  The models were professional and played their parts perfectly.  The day could not have been more perfect.  

This painting is the result of one of those shoots.  I had a great shot of the machine and background...the model looked great.  To get skin tones and hand gestures I still rely on myself...mirrors...life...to get the gesture just the way I want it.  I am learning so much.  

Salute - Steve Campbell and Colonel William "Wild Bill" Campbell

Salute - Steve Campbell

20 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

This Salute portrait has particular significance in many ways.  The subject, Steve Campbell is a veteran and currently works as a pilot for commercial airlines.  He is a friend of my brother, Mike Bennett, who is also a veteran and commercial pilot.  I met Steve at Mike's retirement ceremony.  I was excited to meet a veteran at the retirement ceremony and then I found out Steve is the son of a Tuskeegee Airman!  How exciting!  His father was Colonel William "Wild Bill" Campbell.  You can see a short video tribute to his father here.  He was an amazing man and our county owes him great respect for all he did for us.  

This is my first post of 2016 and I am very excited to begin the year with a  tribute to two heroes that served our country.  

If anyone is not familiar with the Tuskeegee Airmen you can see a short clip here.