Shop millions of independent artists. Independent. Together.
Doncaster, United Kingdom
$2.60
Title
Tommy
Artist
Richard Harpum
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Canvas
Description
"Tommy" depicts a WW1 soldier wading through a field of poppies in France some time during the 1914 - 1918 Great War. I was inspired to paint this when I was told by a visitor to my stand at an art show that 2011 was the Royal British Legion's 90th Anniversary. The visitor saw some of my poppy paintings and suggested that I should donate part of the sale proceeds to the Legion. I thought that I would go one better and donate a special painting for auction, along with the proceeds from the sale of prints and cards.
The original idea for this painting had already come to me when I was watching the 2007 movie "Atonement", in which there is a brief scene of a soldier walking through a poppy field during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. My wife said at the time that this would make a good painting. I decided that in keeping with the British Legion's anniversary and John McCrae's famous poem "In Flanders Fields" that inspired the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, a WW1 soldier would be more appropriate.
Most of the painting is created out of my imagination but I carried out extensive research on British Army uniforms from the period and used reference photos of myself for the soldier's pose, along with others from the extensive photo library I have built up over the years. I also took additional poppy photos in the local fields during June.
I then sketched the overall concept on paper using golden sections (1: 1.618) to position the sun, soldier and horizon.
Because I was making things up as I went along, I made numerous changes. I also added a dead oak tree on the horizon to represent an omen of the possible horrors to come, along with the birds taking flight at the sight of Tommy.
My hope is that this painting will be thought-provoking. It is my intent to leave it to the observer to ponder where Tommy may be heading and whether he is advancing or retreating. I also hope that it will remind people of the horrors of war and of the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae, May 1914
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
ORIGINAL SOLD. PRINTS AVAILABLE FROM FAA PRINT ON DEMAND OR FROM THE ARTIST
Uploaded
September 8th, 2011
Statistics
Viewed 29,002 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 04/20/2024 at 2:06 AM
Embed
Sales Sheet
Gettysburg, PA - United States
Congratulations, Richard. In Flanders Field came originally to mind. You are right ton we all should remember their and their family's sacrifices. Always!!!. I now live in Gettysburg and in my own photography hope to enkindlen in some small way, remembrance as well. - Mike (V/F)
Richard Harpum replied:
Many thanks for your kind comments, Michael. Much appreciated. As you say, it's vital that we all remember their sacrifices.
Dekalb, IL - United States
Congratulations on your sale and beautiful
Richard Harpum replied:
Many thanks, John. I enjoyed looking at your photos. You have a talent. Best wishes, Richard
Warsaw, Ma - Poland
Beautifully done!. You inspire me. I would love, if You could let me know what you think about my work. ;-)
Charles Town, WV - United States
Oh wow ... Richard ... right to the heart. Such emotion ... such feeling. Sincere congratulations on your sale.
Mount Airy, MD - United States
Flanders Field? Great remembrance. Well done, Richard. Congratulations. - Mike
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Mike. I enjoyed looking through your portfolio. I love those covered bridges.
San Lorenzo, CA - United States
Wow, this is really incredible!! I love all the symbolism.....It's so meaningful and beautiful. I also really love the soldier's shadow. Fantastic work!!! :)))vf
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks for your kind comments, Laurie. I enjoyed looking through your galleries.
Murphy, NC - United States
congrats on your sale, Richard
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Lisa. Thanks for your congratulations. I enjoyed looking through your portfolio.
Fort Dodge, IA - United States
Congratulations on your sale Richard!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Kathy, Much appreciated. I enjoyed looking through your galleries - there are some great shots.
Santa Monica, Ca - United States
Congratulations on your recent sale!
Richard Harpum replied:
Gene, Thanks for your congratulations. I enjoyed looking through your portfolio - some great shots.
Bucharest - Romania
Congrats on your recent sale, Richard!
Richard Harpum replied:
Marian, Thanks for your congratulations. I enjoyed looking through your portfolio - very colorful.
Fishers, IN - United States
Congrats on your sale, and kudos for your charitable work!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Steve, I enjoyed looking through your galleries. I particularly like the winter shots.
Toms River, NJ - United States
Wonderful! Congrats on your sale!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Terry. I enjoyed looking through your galleries. The photo of Lake Lure brought back fond memories of when I lived in SC. We often visited the Chimney Rock area. I nearly trod on a copperhead the last time I was there!
Philadelphia, PA - United States
Congratulations on your sale!!!!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Bill. Good to hear from you again and also to take a look through your galleries.
Nagpur, Ma - India
Congratulation on sale announcement and best wishes.
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Nandika. Much appreciated. It was good to look through your gallery again.
Clifton Heights, PA - United States
Congrats on your sale, Richard; truly outstanding work. L/F
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated. I enjoyed looking through your gallery. Those tornado shots are amazing!
Roma, Rm - Italy
Congratulations on your first place in the contest Paintings of soldiers! Voted/ L.
Richard Harpum replied:
Thank you, Vanda, It's always nice to win a contest, especially with such excellent competition.
Juneau, WI - United States
very nice, congrats!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thanks, Beth, Much appreciated. You have a very nice gallery. Keep up the good work! Richard
Warsaw, PL - Poland
Congrats on your sale!
Richard Harpum replied:
Thank you Jaroslaw, Much appreciated. I enjoyed looking through your gallery - some great shots of some of my favourite places (Prague, Venice).
Please Wait...
Share
Comment, Like, Favorite
0
0
0
0
0
37
24
77