03 July 2012

SALUTING PATRIOTS--FOUR ON THIS 4TH OF JULY!

SALUTING PATRIOTS--FOUR ON THIS 4TH OF JULY!
by Andy Weddington
Wednesday, 04 July 2012


"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism." George Washington


Early yesterday, eve of our independence, after retrieving the morning paper, I faced about and was stopped cold as the sun, just breaking the ridge line a few hundred yards east, bathed our home in a warm glow. The brilliant light and an ever-so-slight breeze gave life to our flag. Beautiful. Stunning. 

Standing in awe of our red, white, and blue, suddenly four Americans--presidents--appeared; as if protecting our colors.

Hesitant to move, I just stood there, reflected, thought, and then slowly made my way towards the door while giving a final respectful glance starboard at the colors and the presidents.

Inside, I laid the still twine-tied newspaper on the table near my usual seat, went to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee, then wandered into the studio.

Resting on the easel about eye-level was a board with a blank white sheet of paper taped to it--it'd been there a few days waiting for an idea. The wait was over.

I had an idea about those four patriots--to quickly paint their likenesses, to capture only their essence and that hard-to-describe feel of American.

So with the fitting, simple palette of red, white, and blue (and, of course, the necessary yellow), I painted.

 



George Washington
1st President of the United States of America (1789-1797)




Thomas Jefferson
3rd President of the United States of America (1801-1809)




Abraham Lincoln
16th President of the United States of America (1861-1865)




Ronald Reagan
40th President of the United States of America (1981-1989)


Without consciously thinking about it, I painted them per military protocol--by seniority. It's a courtesy, a custom, that's been ingrained--habit. So they are presented. A salute to each for selfless service, for extraordinary leadership, to God and country. And a thanks for visiting yesterday.

Now, where are the likes of them?

Where?

Step forward.

We need you.

Now.

Post Script

And a salute to our military folks--especially those in harm's way continuing to make payments, in blood, for our freedom. A particular Sailor, and Marine, comes to mind. Semper Fidelis.

Author's Endnote
Paintings: 14 x 10 inches on heavy cold-pressed watercolor paper in sundry water-based mediums. 




1 comment:

Tom H. said...

Bravo, very nice!!