Saturday, March 14, 2015

Cedar Creek Battlefield Dug Relic

This stirrup is another purchase I made at Gettysburg's 'The Horse Soldier' Civil War antique shop. Was it used by a soldier during the Battle of Cedar Creek in October of 1864? Union or Confederate? Cavalry or Artillery? Officer or courier? Or was it discarded/lost by a local farmer before or after the War? Cool stuff to ponder.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

I dabble sometimes...

This is a painting I did a few years ago. I like to get away from the workbench every once in awhile and explore other "arts". I can draw a pretty good stick figure, but direct to canvas? Eh, not so much. So, I went to the old method of making a grid and transferring. I've done this a few times and it helps keep proportions as accurate as possible. The subject is a French Cuirasier, between 1790's-1805, and it's a oil on board copy of a sketch done by the great French Artist, Edouard Detaille.

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Other passions

My wife allowed me a corner downstairs to experiment with some space. I've seen internet articles having to do with using old, weathered pallets and creating various projects. I love the rustic look this cheap wood can give. I used a wall section of the downstairs where I sew...Yes, sew (rarely) reproduction American Revolution and Civil War uniforms...Even though I'm not active currently, the reenacting phase of my life will not leave. Anyway, this small wall section really does give that space character.

Big ol' pile of heads and armatures for the St. Privat project.