Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Across the Field at Fort Branch... Plein Air

"Across the Field at Fort Branch"... 6x8" Oil on panel, en plein aire, 11-2007.
Private Collection...

Click image for larger view...



This peaceful scene is set in the late afternoon with its long shadows and autumn colors. A couple hours earlier the scene was chaotic with the crack of musketry, the clash of sabers, and the roar of cannons as Blue and Gray reenactors struggled on the smoky field. Held the first weekend of November, the battle reenactment is an annual event at the Civil War site of Fort Branch, near Hamilton, North Carolina. Fort Branch is an earthen Confederate Fort on the banks of the Roanoke River... it was originally built to protect the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad trestle (located up river) from Federal gunboat attacks. I set up my French easel dressed in 1860's period attire and painted this scene en plein aire. I added the flag pole to strengthen the composition and add the historical element to this intriguing place.

This painting, on a Gessoed Panel with painted sides, is easily framed or displayed with a decorative easel.

All my paintings are signed originals using artist grade oils and archival surfaces. "Certificate of Authenticity" included.

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