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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

My Hero - Daddy is home

My Hero - Daddy is Home

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Sketch for larger piece/NFS

While visiting my son and his wife on a military base last summer I was fortunate to catch some touching moments between some military members and their families.  This is one such moment.  This dad had just gotten home from work and I could feel the love as he hugged his daughters.  I did this quick sketch in anticipation of doing a larger piece using some or all of these figures.  

The look the youngest daughter is giving her father is the one that completely stole my heart.  Not only do I love the feeling it gives me, as an artist I love the angle of her head and the lines in her jaw and neck.  Such a beautiful angle.  

Deployment

sold

Deployment

8 x 10

When my son was born I never imagined I would watch him leave for a military deployment...wheeling his weapon through the airport... but there I was.  My heart was breaking but I was so very proud of the man he had become.