Monday, November 30, 2009

An American Goodbye: 2009


An American Goodbye: 2009
Oil on Canvas 16" X20"


I've been thinking for a long time about "goodbyes" as subjects. This image is one that we all have seen over and over since the wars we are currently involved in started. I came across it while surfing through Google images and it seemed to me that it could be made to sum up my feelings, not only about goodbyes, but also about wars in general and the ones in the Middle East in particular. I choose a landscape format because the baby seemed to be looking at something to the right, so I created the doorway and descending stairs as part of the scene. I tried to avoid the sentimental by suggesting what are the real issues here. I've had mixed reaction to this picture and am curious about yours.

7 comments:

Mary Bullock said...

HI Jack:
You have created a very poingant painting - it really tugs at the heart strings no matter how a person feels about the war. Great job!

Netpiler said...

Really great paintings.

Netpiler said...

Whats the baby holding in its hand?

Jack Riddle said...

Mary, Netpiler--thanks for your comments. Netpiler--I show the bably holding a miniature American flag.

Marian Fortunati said...

Too bad there are so many of these good byes...

Hopefully they will be followed with welcome backs.

Hope you are well, Jack... Haven't heard from you in a while...

Jack Riddle said...

Marian, all is well--just haven't been able to concentrate on posting lately. But recently I moved my studio back home and thus reunited all my resources in one place. So more to come. Plan to go to SMA for the month of October...

Frank A. said...

Welcome back, Jack. The last I heard, you were trailing off into the mountains to paint.
Good to see you again..!

Do take care !