Moleskine Large Sketchbook 5"x8"
While driving back from Baton Rouge to Lafayette, 2 cars skidded off the road because of heavy rain. I was listening to the radio, and all of the sudden I started to realize how many times they play the commercial of how joining the National Guard, the Army could pay for your college in full, and keeping people in mind at all time that college is indeed very expensive. The famous tagline will never be wiped off my mind "There's Strong, and then there's Army Strong". It makes me wonder if most of the brave souls fighting in the wars, are they really fighting because they want to defend the nation they love so much, or because if they don't they won't be able to afford to go to college and get the education they need to get a good job and make ends meet? And that what really goes through their minds when they are in the battlefield? Are they fighting for glory or for survival?
I grew up in an army camp. My dad was in the air force, my sister is still serving in the military because they paid for her medical degree, and yet I don't really know the answer to those questions above.
This is to all the people who are serving in the army.
Moleskine Large Sketchbook 5"x8"
This is a large, complicated issue. Your sketch is very powerful.
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This is a wonderful drawing and a thoughtful, provocative post. I think there are many reasons why people choose to join the military, but whatever their reasons, bless them all, and may they all be protected and safe. nancy
ReplyDeleteFabulous drawing Alex...and thoughts that make me think. Perhaps, once they join, they develop a sense of pride in what they are doing, no matter what their reason for joining might have been. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI really like that you've addressed this issue, Alex. My fiance is in the military, and I have asked all of these questions at some time or another during our relationship. My perception of the Army has changed over time and I'm still developing my viewpoint I guess! I only really hear about the Army through Forrest (my boy), and it made a nice change to get a take on it from a different source! Great drawing too. The way the soldier blends into the background feels appropriately camouflaged! Really enjoying your colour works, and thanks for your comments on my recent posts, it's always a pleasure :)
ReplyDeleteI always take the opportunity to thank those who stand between us and danger, no matter what their original reason for joining. As several have said, powerful image!
ReplyDeletewow,Love. this is really nice! As so many others have said before, there are many reasons that one joins the military, but for whatever that reason, I am glad they have a reason to fight for. The colors are really nice, and you just HAVE to show this to dad. I think he'd really like it.
ReplyDeleteI think each soldier has his/her own reasons, but I thank each and every one for what they are doing for me, mine, & this country. Your painting is incredible and should be published along with your questions. Everyone needs to think about our soldiers.
ReplyDeleteAlex, great post! Your picture is fabulous and the sentiments are great too. I know some men who have talked of joining the military since they were young boys. All they ever wanted was to fight for our country. I also know men who joined because they wanted an education and couldn't afford it otherwise. Then there is the group that joins to get away from trouble they've caused. While they all have their different reasons, they all are fighting for their country, and their lives.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, this is a very powerful image coupled with a strong sentiment. The reasons that people join the military are as varied as the reasons some don't. :) Your questions bring to light the difficult decisions some people make every day. Great drawing. Everything about it stands out. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Alex. It's powerful, well done image. And it strikes fear in my heart. My grandson is 18 and is determined to join the Marines in June. The list of horrifying things that could happen to him grows each week. I am not a worrier by nature, but the tragedies we've all seen terrify me. But he is determined. I think partly because he sees no other future for himself. And because of the glory stories he hears from the officers he has met. Talking to him has no effect. Nothing to do, I guess, but be there for him no matter what. No matter what.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteRevelle
Excellent!
ReplyDeleteYou catched the atmosphere. It´s a really impressive picture cause to me it´s hard to draw good ideas for the army topic. But you did a really really great Job. So i hope you will maybe draw more army related things =)
ReplyDeleteMagnificent drawing - you are definitely as adept with color as with pencil. I love the wispy strokes around the soldier.
ReplyDeleteA post that makes you think..I like the way you drew the soldier from behind, it could be anybody's son, boyfriend etc. Good colours and a great drawing.
ReplyDeleteGreat work - your drawings are truly incredible - and I like the view from the back. The backpack kind of serves as a symbol to me of the "load" the responsibility that the soldier is carrying. The weight of it. The way you have drawn it makes it that much more powerful. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteGreat drawing and interesting thoughts! You really can draw any style you want, it's amazing...
ReplyDeleteLove your painting below with the tree, it's gorgeous and dreamy, the colors are a delight!
Pencils or brushes, it is always so good. I like the mood you render,muted tones in this one and bright for the landscape with a tree. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo now lets see Louisianna views!
I like what you have done. Big questions, many answers. Beautifully done art. Your heart seems to be captured in your art. Here your heart shines large. Stay that artful, thoughtful, caring person that your are. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeletePowerful drawing Alex, and a sincere, thoughtful question, and lots of answers, as others have already said.
ReplyDeleteYou are really talented, nice job :)
ReplyDeleteAlex, you have a way with colored pencil, and expressing a really strong emotion in your art. I am grateful for those who serve their country and fight for freedom, even if I do not know their reasons for doing so. Your sister sounds like an admirable woman.
ReplyDelete-Krista
www.kristameister.com
Thank you everyone so much for your comments and compliments. :)
ReplyDeleteKrista, yes my sister is an admirable person indeed. She's Lieutenant Colonel and I love her and her kids to death ^^
Fantastic picture Alex - a difficult subject to illustrate and I find your reasons for the picture fascinating. Really well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture. I come from a military family and they all joined for different reasons. Believing that they would only fight for a good cause is what clinched the deal even if they joined because of the education offer, to escape a less than nice past or to make a career when they didn't know what other course to take. I like the back view also because it could be anyone.
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