01.28.07

Art Under Fire

Posted in History, Military at 2:21 pm

If you have ever produced art or design and had to do it under a deadline you know what the pressure can be like, but imagine if you had to do it under fire. They Drew Fire is the companion gallery and biography site to an interesting PBS documentary that looks at the life and contributions of World War II combat artists. Its fascinating! Check it out.

Warning! Some of the site content is graphic and may be disturbing or inappropriate for younger viewers.

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01.17.07

The Battle of Cowpens - Once Again

Posted in History, Illustration, Military, Painting at 2:55 pm

This past Saturday was one of those Ponder & Dream days Joshua Chamberlain spoke of (see previous post). I went to The Battle of Cowpens 226th Anniversary Celebration. I’ve been going to this off and on for several years. It seems a shame not to go since it is so close and such a cool event. Its sort of like waking up in 1781 and reliving the same events every year, sort of a historical version of the movie Ground Hog Day. But I never tire of the story about this turning point in the southern campaign for independence and how a smaller force of Colonial Regulars and local militia routed a crack force of British Regulars and cavalry. It was a stunning and crucial defeat and the beginning of the end for Cornwallis. It is amazing how landmark historical events can happen in such seemingly insignificant places. But what I love most is coming and watching the costumed reenactors strut their regalia, recreate military drills, demonstrate crafts, cook over open fires, sleep in period tents and talk very enthusiastically about all things Colonial. Many of them are very interesting people (even if some are a bit too old or overweight to look totally authentic).

I did this painting (acrylic) from one of the many reenactment photos I’ve taken over the years. This guy was quite the character and seemed more than willing to play the part.

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01.12.07

Familiarity Breeds Good Design

Posted in Design at 4:38 pm

I love working with clients that allow me to walk beside them in their growth and development, sometimes growing from modest beginnings to impressive size and scope. DeVita and Associates is just such a client. Frank DeVita and I worked together on his first real logo some 10 years ago. I’ve seen Frank’s business grow substantially as he expanded his facilities, added divisions and services and, most recently, opened a new office in India; for which he employed me to supply the logo design. I count it a privilege to work with him, but more than that I think we both realize the win-win scenario that develops in a long term business relationship; a factor that has made him so successful with his own clients. Over the years I have gotten to know his business and he has become familiar with my work and style. Efficiencies develop in the process, not to mention insight that allows me to provide a design that we are both proud of. Thanks Frank!

Shown here is the first logo I designed for him around 10 years ago, and the most recent logo done for his new office in India.

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01.11.07

So Costly a Sacrifice on the Altar of Freedom

Posted in History, Military at 9:03 am

A marine corporal, grappling with an insurgent in Iraq, sees a grenade drop to the ground. In a split second he covers the grenade with his helmet and body and saves the lives of 2 of his men. What an incredible story! I watched on TV this morning as President Bush presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to the parents of Corporal Jason L. Dunham. Jason was awarded the Nation’s highest military honor posthumously. It literally brought tears to my eyes. What makes a man do such a thing almost without thinking; certainly without thought to his own life or safety. I have no idea whether Jason knew Christ as his savior or not. Regardless, this tiny snapshot of our Lord’s immense love and sacrifice is sobering. I honor Jason and the parents who raised a young man with such an unswerving sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. I can heartily agree with President Bush who said:

“As long as we have Marines like Cpl. Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty.”

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01.04.07

Passion vs. Popularity

Posted in Design, Illustration at 6:22 pm

I’m realizing (more slowly than most artists probably) that outstanding art, design and illustration is a function of personal passion and devoted style, not merely people pleasing popularity (say that 5 time fast). To execute art seething with remarkable qualities takes passion and devotion to your personal taste and style. Success in a business model means you only need enough takers to make you profitable not necessarily popular. If your art is popular thats cool, but if popularity is your inspiration and driving force, then what you produce is probably going to be mediocre at best.

In marketing design we artists are often forced into molds and directions not of our choosing, and pleasing the masses becomes more necessary and critical. But our own visual style, that which we are most passionate about, can and should still come through because if it does the end product will be a better product.

Seth Godin perhaps says it best. The dilemma is one of deciding between the electable vs. the marketable. This is brilliant thinking and words to live by as an artist.

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01.02.07

104–0, Eagles win!

Posted in Aviation, History, Illustration, Military, Painting at 11:01 am

NFL playoffs start this weekend and college bowl games are in full swing but through it all you’re not likely to see a score like this. 104-0 is the kill record of the F-15 Eagle. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over (not to mention safe), just like when my favorite team wins a bowl game. The F-22 Raptor will eventually replace the F15-C/D variants but the Eagle will be around for a while. The F-15E Strike Eagle will stick around even longer evidenced by the unveiling of the new F-15E “Super Eagle” in 2006. Regardless of when the Eagle flies into the sunset for the last time, its a winner and will never be forgotten.

This is a traditional acrylic painting I did last year.

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01.01.07

Thank you Mr. President

Posted in History, Illustration, Military, Painting at 6:58 pm

As Gerald Ford’s body lies in State for the final day in the Capital Rotunda, I thought it fitting to remember and honor his World War II service (of particular interest to me). This Wikipedia article has a full description.

For his naval service, Gerald Ford earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with nine engagement stars for operations in the Gilbert Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Marshall Islands, Asiatic and Pacific carrier raids, Hollandia, Marianas, Western Carolines, Western New Guinea, and the Leyte Operation. He also received the Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars for Leyte and Mindoro, as well as the American Campaign and World War II Victory Medals.

Traditional Watercolor I did shortly after Ford’s death

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