Screaming Eagles Military Art

New Art-Portraits of the Currahee, 101st Airborne

2011-10-06T02:30:00.001-04:00

The Currahee Military Weekend, 2011, is now part of history, and my work as an artist just begins.

I have attended the event, held in Toccoa, Georgia, since it’s beginning, and can state without reservation it just gets better and better each year. I have met people from all over the world who have attended, and the military is very well represented.

Re-enactors, tour groups, historians, vehicle restoration/preservation groups, and individuals, display machines and equipment one would not be able to view without great effort. Here, all in one place, exhibited by people, groups, and clubs who take such great pride and joy providing the opportunity for you and your family to touch, to learn, and to begin to understand how it all fits together to make up the fabric of our culture, our history, our past and perhaps a glimpse of our future.

This year, ScreamingEagles.com brought something new (other than new Art) in the offering of an eMail service. I was able to explain to interested visitors what the service was (you guessed it… email addresses) how it worked, and the process of reservations and membership. MORE

This year, there were several of the original Paratroopers, men who trained at Camp Currahee . The 501ST PIR, 506TH PIR, 511TH PIR, 517TH PIR, the 295TH ORDNANCE HEAVY MAINTENANCE COMPANY and the 38TH SIGNAL LIGHT CONSTRUCTION BATTALION all called Camp Toccoa “home”.

I was able to spend some time talking with, and photographing, these men. The first portrait completed was that of Ed “Doc” Pepping, a Medic with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and was one of the men portrayed in the HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers".

----------------View the Doc Pepping Portrait HERE------------

The second completed is that of 1/Lt Reed Pelfrey, 506 PIR - D-Day RHQ Pathfinder - Screaming Eagles, Currahee, 101st Airborne, WWII

---------------View the Reed Pelfrey Portrait HERE---------------

One observation struck me though. Although overall (event) attendance is up, (anecdotal observation) the numbers of WWII paratroopers is fewer, and the time of physical interaction is precious. I am personally grateful that these men are so patient, and willing, to give so much, once again, to us all.

I am, as are so many others, pleased that I was able to say to them, again:

Thank you for your service.

Joe Satterwhite

ScreamingEagles.com

---------Click on "comments" to post your response-------

Currahee Military Weekend

2011-09-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

I will attending the Currahee Military Weekend 29 Sept. thru 2 Oct. Home of the Currahee.

In partnership with the Currahee Military Museum and the Stephens County Historical Society, we will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of ScreamingEagles.com email addresses to both the Currahee Museum and the Wounded Warriors.

For more information, visit:

http://toccoagachamber.com/play/currahee-military-weekend

http://www.screamingeagles.com/

Veterans Memorial - Part 3 of 9 - World War I

2011-09-08T20:51:00.000-04:00

This illustration is the third of nine and features content related to the United States involvement in World War One, which ultimately flows forward through out Americas history following a visual timeline.

Some of these illustrations will continue to evolve, and changes to content is to be expected.

To view the series in sequence, go HERE.

To view the last completed, titled "World War One", go HERE.

Suggestions? Use the comments area and let us know your thoughts.

Veterans Memorial - Part 2 of 9 - Civil War Art

2011-08-28T20:02:00.003-04:00

This completed illustration flows from the first in the series, and depicts events of the American Civil War.

President Abrahm Lincoln, referenced from a well known portrait of the time, is pictured in front of the Emancipation Proclamation, which speaks to one of the main causes for the Civil War.

Below, Union soldiers fire a canon, while to the right rides a Confederate soldier.

Screaming Eagles Art Project-Civil War

MIckey Harris, First Responder Truck, Airbrush art...

2011-08-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

GM presents the debut of the 9/11First Responder truck designed and painted by Mickey Harris. GM will be bringing this truck to New York to share with you the brave first responders, on Tuesday September 6^th and Wednesday September 7th. The vehicle will be on display near ground zero at West Broadway and Barclay Streets from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Veterans Memorial Art, 1 of 9 part series

2011-08-23T13:23:00.001-04:00

This is the first of nine images that will be used for reference in the application of a mural on the Lula, Georgia, Veterans Memorial Park standing wall.

Each of the nine paintings are 8 x 10 inches in size, and at a 1 inch to 1 foot scale can easily be transferred to the 8 x 90 foot wall. However, since the project will be done by volunteers, and the skill levels of each individual will vary, I've decided to scan the paintings, and digitally repaint each in a more graphic, comic book style, providing an easier road map to follow. I will then create an outline version of each of the main segments which will make the transfer to the wall even easier to apply.

This first segment relates to the "American War of Independence", or "Revolutionary War", and the content reflects some of the well known icons that have become synonymous with that time period.

The Revolutionary Soldier stands holding the musket, with the flag of the thirteen colonies as a backdrop. The Presidential Seal floats above the flag, while underneath rides Paul Revere sounding the alarm, riding past the church in Philadelphia, with two lanterns lighting the upper windows to warn those watching for the sign.

The symbol of the snake with the words "Join or Die" below was the rallying cry for a call to arms, and to the right the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," the first of which was presented by George Washington, the first President of the United States.

This entire series will be sure to trigger many history discussions, and will be a good learning tool for the children who visit the location.

Follow the project at: http://www.screamingeagles.com/art_projects/vetMem/vetMem.html

New Military Art prints available

2011-08-18T16:17:00.000-04:00

I have created and uploaded a page of available military art prints on the Screaming Eagles web site, and they can be viewed and ordered from this page:

http://www.screamingeagles.com/pages/print_sales.html

(Clicking on the small image takes you to a larger view and information about the art.)

The first print is titled "Purple Heart", which is a 16 x 20 inch oil on canvas. With the U.S. flag in the background, the "Statue of Liberty" in the foreground, and a large Purple Heart medal floating above, it makes a powerful statement to the interdependence of different elements that are the foundation of our country.

The composition of the painting reflects the valor of those who protect our country, the strength of our freedom, and the continuity of the republic.

The second offering is of a 1944 CCKW 2 1/2 ton cargo truck, affectionately known as the "Deuce and a Half". During the Currahee Military Weekend, held yearly in Toccoa, Georgia, this vehicle was one of many restored vehicles displayed during the event. I managed to get photographs of many of those in attendance, and this particular one I immediately envisioned as a painting.

The third image contains both the Apache AH-64 Longbow, heavy division/corp attack helicopter, and on the ground below, the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, racing across the desert floor.

The fourth image is of a single Apache AH-64 in a desert sunset scenario, where the coloration of the background suggests night operations.

These are all Giclee archival Fine Art prints, on museum quality materials, and have an eighty year lifespan, resisting color shift or fading.

Available in 8x10 in. or 11 x 14 in. sizes. PayPal secure payments with account or credit cards.

Veterans Memorial - Lula, Ga.

2011-08-08T11:46:00.003-04:00

This is the first part of what will be three slideshows.

View Part 1 at:
http://www.screamingeagles.com/art_projects/vetMem.html

The first part is a pictorial of the opening day ceremony celebrating not only the opening of the Veterans Park, but offering the communities heartfelt thanks to all the veterans who have given so much to our great country.

The segments to follow will provide the sequence of images depicting how, from the dedication, a project to memorialize our history with a mural began to take shape, the concept and design, all the way through the actual application of the design.

I first conceptualized this painting as a community project. During the ribbon cutting I realized that the back of the veterans wall was an area in which trees would be planted, and benches installed, providing areas of shade and quiet in which one could view a history in pictures and contemplate our countries innate sense of the goodness of its people; its strength and resolve in the face of adversity. An 8 foot by 90 foot blank canvas; There is nothing more attractive to an artist than painting a blank canvas, and painting large even more so.

I immediately envisioned the impact it could have on visiting children if the art actually provided an avenue for discussion of key points in American history.

I was able to talk with Dennis Bergman, Lula City Manager, and Vicki Campbell, historian and council member, about the possibility of such a project first being something of community interest, but also how to do it within city guidelines.

From that meeting, the project grew. As I continue posting, visitors can watch each step of the project as it takes shape, and followers of this blog can post their opinions, ideas, and most of all, those who wish to volunteer to work on this worthy artistic project can easily do so.

Thanks for visiting, and I look forward to hearing from those who are following.

FaceBook, Twitter and Blog... Keeping it tidy?

2011-07-31T21:59:00.001-04:00

Well, that remains to be seen. The easy part was to create the FaceBook, Twitter and Blog accounts. The hard part is going to be to keep them moving forward with new content.

The links, in the form of buttons, to these locations are now installed on the front page of the Screaming Eagles .com web site, and like anyone who begins writing, one always hopes someone out there actually begins to reads the content.

As an artist, I struggle to find the balance between writing and actually creating more art. I enjoy both, and I will try to find the "sweet spot" is that best allows me to enjoy both endeavors. Being retired, I always know that I can do exactly as I like. The trick here is to avoid having to do what I don't like.

That's a novel concept coming from one who has spent a lifetime as a free lancer, which is a profession where one works as much to obtain work as we do to create the art.

My hope at this time is that when readers begin commenting and interacting, I will find that my responding will be comfortable and rewarding.

You don't think I can do this by myself, do you?

2011-07-29T20:16:00.001-04:00

Today, I had the time to review the package of historical materials I will be using for the Col. Russell portraits. Included was a CD, titled "Follow Me", Col. Clyde R. Russell and his service to our Country, and a set of photographs.

The CD was a timeline story of Col. Russell's life and military history, and provides insight into one of so many common, ordinary, (lets call them what they really are,) heros. The work these warriors are called upon to do is, to them, their job; It's what they do. That so many take it on so willingly throughout our countries history is in itself incredibly impressive. That those who belonged to what is known as "The Greatest Generation" did so with such humility is, in itself, humbling.

I am privileged to have been called on to try to create something that adds to the great volume of history from a visual artists perspective. Over the years, meeting with the families, soldiers, writers, historians and so many others with a shared interest in commemorating the sacrifices of these warriors has given me great satisfaction, and this project is one I approach eagerly.

Often, a painting is done with minimal reference materials, and only a long ago used name of a battle, or a hilltop…a river. In the case of the Col. Russell portrait, I have been fortunate to have regular contact with the son of Col. Russell, who himself was an officer with MACV in Vietnam.

Chris Russell (who continues to work with the Veterans Administration helping todays soldiers) has been extremely gracious and knowledgable, providing me with all I need, and more.

In collaboration with Daniel Peterson, Museum Director of the Don F. Pratt Museum in Ft. Campbell, Ky., an exhibit has been assembled and displayed with items and images from Col. Russell and his wife Jini, who served with the Red Cross following her husband throughout Europe and Germany during WWII. Chris Russell's donation of these family heirlooms will help provide future generations a bit fuller, richer history.

Joe Satterwhite

Screaming Eagles .com

101st Airborne-Col Clyde Russell, Jini Russell, and son, Lt. Chris Russell

2011-07-28T21:30:00.002-04:00

Today, I received a package from (101st Airborne, Vietnam) Chris Russell. This is a family who served their country well, and I am well pleased to have in hand the photos and written testimonials of the story of his father, Col. Clyde R. Russell and his mother Jini, who followed Col. Russell into World War 2.

From the images received, I will begin the process of creating an original work of art. You can view a more complete story line HERE. A story like this should be told, and I will tell my version in portraiture.

This, too, makes for a step by step journey that viewers are welcome to follow.

Thanks, Chris, for allowing me to begin telling what is now your story. You too have served your country well.

Lula, Ga., Veterans Memorial Art Project

2011-07-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to speak with Dennis Bergin, City Manager of Lula, Georgia today, and it looks as though we will go forward with an art project first discussed soon after the dedication ceremonies held after the Lula Veterans Memorial project completion. It's a beautiful park, and local people began bringing their children to play in the fountain from the first day of its opening.

We will meet with the Lula Historical Society in the next week or so, and begin the process of developing a timeline. And, I will begin posting the series of paintings that will be the basis for the memorial. These paintings are in the final stages of detailing, so this blog will be the first place to view the display.

To provide a brief description, the area in which the art will be applied is 8 ft. by 90 ft. in length. When creating large murals, this one specifically, I was able to use a grid foundation of 1 inch to 1 foot. Thus, I had to create nine 8x10 in. paintings (which are acrylic on canvas) which will allow the application group to easily use a grid template. It also allows each segment to be managed as a separate area, yet will at the final stages lend itself to blending, transitioning, each one to the next, in the final detailing.

The paintings begin with the Revolutionary war, then transition through all of the United States conflicts up to and through today.

To those of you following, I'll try to make this as interesting to watch as is was for me to create.

Thanks,
Joe Satterwhite

Welcome,dorsai

2011-07-26T19:55:00.000-04:00

Surprised by the sign on. I hadn't even had a chance to send out any notifications to others.

Now, to just get used to being the one to provide content; That will take a bit of getting used to.

Again, welcome...

JSatt

Screaming Eagles Military Art

2011-07-26T15:42:00.002-04:00

Test: post 26 JUL 2011

Screaming Eagles Military Art

www.ScreamingEagles.com