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.
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.
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.
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1 comment:
Bravo, very nice!!
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