The Planner

 

There are many different ways to tell a story.  As an artist, I enjoy the challenge of creating a simple picture that has the ability to weave a story of its own.  Unlike the other forms of media, a painting has a way of becoming a person’s own story as one ponders and identifies with certain elements in the picture. 

 

My inspiration for this painting has been the children of our military families.  When duty calls, they: “loan” their loved ones to us as a nation and eagerly await their return. 

 

“The Planner” is anybody’s little boy, a nephew or even the neighbor next door.  But whoever he’s waiting for owns his heart.  With a pencil and his well maintained calendar in hand, he’s a little boy with big plans.  His Hero is coming home. 

 

Over the years, I have heard many reasons why people serve, but the one I hear repeatedly is the one that touches my heart the most: 

 

“To envision them living any way but free is why we do what we do.”

 

The original painting is on a 42 x 54 inch canvas.  I used a special acrylic mixture to create the softer effects in the highlights, shadows and skin tones.  Though it’s a darker painting, the subjects take on a “glow” even in lower lighting with this technique.  A nondescript background allows us to focus on the little boy, his puppy and the flag.

DetermiNation

Linda M. Henson, creator of “DetermiNation” Trilogy

TM