“Discover what it is that makes you passionate then grab a firm hold.  Cherish it proudly and guard it with great Determination.”

 

Linda M. Henson

DetermiNation

Another battle for the sake of  freedom was being fought.  Billowing smoke and flying debris fill the air as the enemy relentlessly continues to attack.  Circling above the chaos a bald eagle searches the scene below then suddenly disappears from sight. Within seconds, he emerges from the smoke triumphantly. Grasping our flag in his talons, the colors of freedom continue to wave, restoring hope and determination once again.

This vision was inspired only a few days after September 11, 2001.  Following his lifelong dream, our son Nathan, had just begun Basic Training the day before the attack.  A lot was on my mind as I tried to go to sleep one night... Wars past, war present and the price of freedom.  As I closed my eves and saw this dramatic scene unfold, it became my own determination as an artist and now a soldier's mom to put into living color this message of freedom.  The result was a 4 x 8 foot acrylic painting on board.  Like that flag our nation may be a little tattered and worn, but it is definitely worth rescuing. 

America has so much to be thankful for.  People in the military, our precious veterans, and those whose job it is to now serve and protect the citizens of this country have always had an understanding of what America is all about.  The rest of us have just enjoyed its benefits.

When I made a presentation of one of my prints to a local veterans organization, I looked out into the room filled with WW2 soldiers.  I saw past the years life had etched on their faces and the wrinkles that family and friends recognize them by today.  With a  little imagination I saw a room full of young men in uniform.  Even with the best training nothing could have prepared them for the realities of war, bur with great determination they fought for our freedom.  They sacrificed so that their children could have full tummies, play in their front yards without fear, and basically be spoiled rotten.

My desire is that this painting will serve as an inspiration for years to come, challenging us to appreciate and to hold with great DetermiNation to the freedom we enjoy here in America.

Dawn of DetermiNation 

 

Following the completion of “DetermiNation”, my husband and I found ourselves traveling 10 months out of the year with print signing invitations from around the country.  Although it was a busy schedule, it also enabled me to stay in touch with the people and their families who have devoted their lives to our protection and the cause of our flag.  Meeting them and hearing some of their stories was a continued source of inspiration.  After several requests for a sequel, “Dawn of DetermiNation” was released in the fall of 2002.

 

The eagle takes center stage as the focal point of this painting.  Our armed forces and military leaders are personified in the eagle’s face and stance.  Tenaciously, he is clinging to his flag, daring anyone to take it from him.  His piercing gaze leaves no doubt that anyone who tries will be severely reckoned with!  Having put himself at risk during the rescue, he’s taken the flag to a high place where it can be seen by all.

 

As dawn slowly breaks over the hills, the lights of an awakening city begin to appear in the distance, symbolic of a greater awakening taking place in the heart of a nation.  The alarm has sounded.  Now we’ve begun to reconsider and reprioritize the things that are most precious to us:  freedom… family… God… honor…

 

Bold and colorful, “Dawn of DetermiNation” reminds us all: it’s time to wake up!

Liberty: Song of DetermiNation

 

For centuries we have used symbols as reminders of important things or events that have had a significant effect on our lives.  In this tribute to freedom, I wanted to use the symbols that are so important to us to communicate the emotions that have enveloped me since I began the DetermiNation series in 2001.

 

Symbolically perched on top of the Liberty Bell with head raised, the eagle’s song is punctuated by the sound of fireworks with Old Glory standing proudly in the background.  In reality, the old Liberty Bell doesn’t ring anymore but it stands as a symbol that freedom still rings. The song of an eagle probably isn’t found on any music scale, but his song still has the power to stir our souls with great emotion.

 

As symbolism takes root in reality, we cannot allow ourselves to wrap the cloak of liberty tightly around us, becoming forgetful or complacent.  While must continue to guard our nation against outward attack, we must also be vigilant to watch for those who would subtly attempt to change the face of liberty even from within.  In this third and final painting of the DetermiNation series, the cry of the eagle boldly declares:

A Note of Thanks To Our Military!

 

Originally I wasn’t sure of the destiny of my paintings.  I simply felt an urgency to put my vision into living color so that even at a glance it would be an encouragement to people, especially during this crucial time in our history. While painting the stars, a wave of gratefulness overwhelmed me as I thought of  what these stars have cost us down through the years.  Five points each one… blended into the five branches of our military… their united efforts making our freedom possible. 

 

As I have been touring military bases over the past year with “DetermiNation”, it has truly been an honor to meet you and your families.  Thank you for what you are doing and the sacrifices you have made.  May God bless you as you continue to serve, defend, and protect our America.

DetermiNation

Linda M. Henson, creator of “DetermiNation” Trilogy

TM