Salute - VFW

Salute - VFW

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200.00

I am back to my "Salute" series.  There is so much I like about painting these veterans.  I love the pride they have in their country.  I love the pride they have that they served.  They made a difference.  I found this veteran at the commissioning of the USS John Warner.  He was sitting in a seat near me.  I watched as he greeted friends and fellow veterans.  He proudly wore his VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) hat.  Sometimes I am a little shy about asking for a salute...I have only been turned down once...but most of the time I overcome my inhibitions and just ask.  This gentleman was very happy to oblige.  I still have quite a few in my "Salute" folder...but if you know of anyone who is willing to participate..please let me know.  

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.  

Honor Flight Salute - World War II Veteran

Honor Flight Salute - World War II

14 x 11

Oil on canvas panel

$650

Continuing my "Salute" series I am featuring a World War II veteran.  When I asked him to pose for me with a salute he got this stern look on his face like he really meant business.  He was in a wheel chair with an American flag attached to the back of his chair.  I am sure there will be a larger painting of this guy with his flag.  I think both compositions are perfect for this series.  

This project started in my mind featuring only World War II veterans.  Then, as I visited the World War II memorial and saw the vets from other wars...from other times I realized that the feeling I wanted to convey and the pride for their country and what they had accomplished was timeless.  So I have broadened my "Salute" Series and I welcome veterans...old and young...I ask them to salute and I am amazed by the way their demeanor brightens.  

So I continue...

Thank you for your Service - Honor Flight at the World War II memorial

"Thank You For Your Service"

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar panel

$1200.00

I have been working on this painting...this concept for about 9 months now.  I have changed so many things about it.  First I had the World War II vet very gray and actually blending into the gray background.  I liked the look...but it didn't say what I wanted it to say.  It gave more importance to the younger service member.  The painting is about the World War II vet....about his story.  It is about thanking him and all the veterans for their service.          

The  concept was conceived when I visited the World War II memorial and saw the World War II vets brought in and taken care of by the Honor Flight program.  Honor Flight is a program that flies these veterans in to Washington DC and takes them to the see the World War II memorial.  It is a great program.  While at the memorial they are given ceremonies to celebrate their service and they are entertained by wonderful swing dancers who not only dance for them but also dance with them.  It is a very moving sight to see the vets remembering their hey-day!  Good times!  I walk by the monument as often as I can to see the joy and to remember the sacrifice.  

I am not totally pleased with this piece but have decided it is done and I have to move on.  I will choose another setting from the World War II memorial and paint another tribute.  The next one will be better.  Maybe none of my paintings will be good enough to express my appreciation for their service...their sacrifice...but I will keep trying.  

At Peace - Portrait of a Wonderful Life!

At Peace

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

The loss of a parent is something I cannot begin to imagine.  Both my parents are doing well, still traveling quite a bit and enjoying life.  I am doubly blessed and I know it.  I guess that is the reason my heart breaks when I hear of a friend who's has suffered this loss.  It is inevitable but I cannot imagine being prepared for it. 

That leads me to this portrait.  A much loved father who has enjoyed a wonderful life and now leaves precious memories to his loved ones.  

I did this quick sketch to celebrate his life and possibly put a smile on someone's face...someone who loves him.